Advanced Style

Advanced Style is a vibrant and delightful documentary film directed by talented filmmaker Lina Plioplyte, and produced by acclaimed writer, photographer and blogger, Ari Seth Cohen in 2014. The film brings to fore the dynamic life of seven, remarkable New York women aged between 62 and 95, who have forged their identities by defying societal norms about growing old.

The film evolved from the popular street-style blog of the same name, 'Advanced Style', started by Ari Seth Cohen. It was created with the primary aim of challenging the dominant representation of aging in the media and fashion industry, and instead, to shed light on the vivacious scene of women aged sixty and above, who transform everyday routine into a unique personal style statement that truly represents their essence.

Advanced Style peeks into the flamboyant wardrobes of these seven spirited women - illustrating their individual aesthetic alongside their zealous approach towards life and aging. The film does not shy away from portraying 'age' as a positive and invigorating phase. Instead, every character in the film is organically woven into the narrative, each illustrating that age is just a number and has nothing to do with the pursuit of happiness, wellbeing, and style.

Iris Apfel, the 93-year-old style maven is one of the primary subjects of the film. Known for her oversized round glasses, exceptional necklaces and brilliant flair for putting outfits together, Iris has earned a great name in the fashion world and is celebrated for her larger-than-life presence. This rare nonagenarian is known for turning heads not just in her hometown but all around the world.

Joyce Carpati, another dynamic character in the film, is an octogenarian opera singer who illustrates her elegance and grace through time-honored personal style. Her striking charm blanketed with a hint of nostalgia is bound to leave viewers in a trance.

The film is beautifully shot, offering deep, thoughtful perspectives on personal style, beauty, confidence, and what these women enjoy about aging. By exploring the intimate lives of these spirited women, viewers are delivered an uplifting message about life, age, personal style, and the freedom to express oneself unabashedly. We are compelled to reconsider aging as a period of decline, to viewing it instead as an opportunity to find new joys in expression and remain visible, stylish and vibrant.

Every frame of the film is filled with bold colors, eccentric patterns, innovative materials, unique pieces of jewelry and most significantly, the infectious enthusiasm of the protagonists. Their wardrobes reflect their exuberance and zeal for life, their wit and refusal to fade away quietly in old age. Their style does not follow contemporary trends. Instead, it emerges from their personal journey and experiences, beautifully folded into their glittery closet.

Moreover, the narratives are compellingly candid, funny, and insightful, making each character essentially real and relatable. The women are not afraid to talk about their fears and vulnerabilities, about loss and body image, and their varying responses to aging. They educate, inspire and provoke thought on society's perception of 'old age'.

Interesting quips and anecdotes from the protagonists like, ‘young woman, you’re going to be an old woman someday, don’t worry about it’ and 'I’m not pretty, and I’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter’, offer an unfiltered take on their perception of beauty, life, fashion, and aging.

'Advanced Style' is a vibrant collection of character sketches that reframes the age-old perspective of old-age. It is a colorful menagerie of defiance against societal norms, an uplifting proclamation of personal style, and an inspiring affirmation of life, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and an unshakable need to defy invisibility. It's a fiercely warmhearted and celebration of age, style, and life, that will no doubt inspire audiences of all age groups to embrace life and express themselves unabashedly.