A Chat with Alyson from THAT'S NOT MY AGE!

After seeing Alyson's THAT'S NOT MY AGE blog dedicated to style in older women, I decided to contact her to see if she could give me some more of her insight into mature fashion, hoping that she could further inspire me with the message I want to send with my "Jewel" photo shoot based on older models.

She was nice enough to invite me to email her and ask her some questions. Below are her responses.

Me: I am currently doing a project for all walks and one if the issues I am basing it on is older models. After looking at your blog I was wondering if you could take a few minutes to give me a few words on the issue.

Me: For instance, do you see a future where older models like Daphne Selfe are being used in campaigns more frequently?

Alyson: I would like to think that this will happen and that it's not just another fashion fad.  Daphne Selfe told me recently that she was working more than ever - and we are definitely seeing more older models: the M&S Leading Ladies, Boots Tah Dah!, Daphne for TK Maxx -  so fingers crossed!

Me: What is the key to growing old and staying fashionable?

Alyson: Wearing what makes you happy, what you feel confident in. Grown-up style is not about chasing trends but about developing a signature look,  though it's important to stay looking modern by keeping an eye on fashion's bigger picture: shapes, silhouettes, colours. Regularly updating your wardrobe to avoid looking frumpy.

Me: What do you think older women bring to the fashion community?

Alyson:Beauty, wisdom, intelligence - and experience, of course!

 

 A HUGE credit and thank you to Alyson at thatsnotmyage.blogspot.co.uk

WHAT HAS ALYSON TAUGHT ME?

 Alyson said that the key to growing old and staying fashionable is about being happy and confident, which fits in with the tone that I have started to create with the "Unicorn Factor" feel. It has reinforced that my model should be confident and free and this has reconfirmed that I have made the right choice in choosing my mother to model for me.
Alyson also said that fashion in older age is all about finding a signature look and thinking about shapes, silhouettes, and colour. I am going to include this in my shoot as I think she right and it is very important. It has got me thinking about my image composition and my models positioning.
I'm SO happy that she mentioned colour because my age shoot is jewel themed and i had initially planned for it to be quite colourful and now, after speaking to her I feel as though I'm on the right track.