InStyle’s Fashion Director Cindy Weber Cleary has been a fashion editor for the past 20+ years. Needless to say, she’s picked up some tricks along the way. Catch her column here each week for how-to tips and style secrets on her favorite, timeless styles. This week, we gave readers the chance to ask Cindy style questions on Facebook. Here, Cindy responds to one lucky reader. Head over to our Facebook page and submit an idea for Cindy’s next column!
When it comes to fashion marketing, the subject of age is almost taboo, even among companies whose average customer is over 50. I have come right out and asked their representatives why they aren’t more forthcoming about their demographics and I often hear something along the lines of “age is just a state of mind.” Actually, it isn’t. It’s a fact.
Here’s the conundrum: Most of the models who walk the runways during New York, London, Milan, and Paris are in their teens and 20s, but most of the women who can afford designer fashion are considerably older. It’s an open secret.
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So it was a delightful surprise when Lanvin’s designer, Alber Elbaz, chose to open his Paris show with an ’80s fashion icon: Violetta Sanchez, who stunned in a minimal asymmetric column gown (above). At the finale, she made a charming little dance move as the crowd roared.
Another major French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, included a few women “of a certain age” (older than Ms. Sanchez) in his triumphant blockbuster farewell to ready-to-wear collection this past week—and it’s not the first time. He caused a stir back in 2009 when he sent former model Inès de La Fressange, then 51, down the catwalk.
Other designers, including Tom Ford and Donna Karan, have presented multi-generational fashion shows in the past.
Meanwhile, cosmetic and skin-care companies seem much more willing to embrace their older customers. Currently, the ever-seductive Charlotte Rampling, age 68, (pictured below, left) is the “face” of the Nars campaign, while equally gorgeous Jessica Lange, 65, (pictured below, right) represents Marc Jacobs Beauty. Perhaps it’s because anti-aging treatments and products translate to such big bucks?
But let’s be honest. There’s a big difference between dressing former models and older movie stars who have a small army of hair, makeup, fitness and fashion stylists attending to them and helping the 50+ customer find suitable, stylish clothes.
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I started writing this blog because of the significant number of reader letters and emails asking for help finding age-appropriate clothing. Personally, I feel besieged by friends and peers asking for advice. And I can tell you it isn’t always easy, even for someone who has been a fashion editor for close to 30 years (me!).
It would be a win-win for everyone if we could get past our silly denial and admit that we are all getting older, day by day, and those who make it to middle age and beyond are the winners!
Ka-Ching!
PHOTOS: See the Best Runway Looks from the Lanvin Spring/Summer 2015 Show