Guardian Fashion 

Advanced Style: the man who captures fashionistas of a certain age

Street style is nothing new to the world of blogs. But New Yorker Ari Seth Cohen dedicates his snapping time to older folk, keen to capture older men and women who grab his attention with their sartorial excellence.
  
  


Advanced Style: Blogger Ari Seth Cohen with Advanced Style model
Blogger Ari Seth Cohen with actor and model Mimi Weddell. 'I started my blog, Advanced Style, in August 2008 after moving to New York. I roam the streets to find the most interesting, stylish and creative men and women of a certain age and compile their stories and photos' Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Advanced Style: Advanced Style
'I guess you can say I am obsessed with all things old. I am based in New York, but carry my camera everywhere I go. Last Summer I did a project for Selfridges, so I was able to shoot a lot of great senior street style in London. This summer I'll be in Scandinavia', says Ari. 'Beatrix Ost is a writer and artist in her 70s. She believes that style starts with the food we eat. Beatrix says: "In your body is a good place to be."' Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Adanced Style: Advanced Style
'What a lucky moment to be able to photograph writer Tom Wolfe on the Upper East Side' Photograph: Advanced Style
Advanced Style: Advanced Style
'I blog all day and night. During the day I walk around looking for people to photograph and interview and I organise photos and posts at night. I always have my Canon Rebel with me, so even when I'm not working I can snap a shot if I have to'. I met Gitte Lee last summer in London and asked if I could take her photo. She is one of the most stylish women I have ever met and she will be on the cover of my upcoming book!' Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Advanced Style: Advanced Style
'I spotted this woman while she was working in a shop in Milan. I asked if she would come outside so I could take her photograph. Even though she didn’t speak English, I can tell she was delighted and I got some great shots' Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Adanced Style: Advanced Style
Describing why he focuses on older people, Ari says: 'I grew up being best friends with my grandmother and she taught me so much about living life to the fullest. I want to change people's perception of ageing and bring a focus on older people. People don't stop being stylish, creative and active as they age. With time, style and creativity become advanced. The other day a 100-year-old lady told me, "Celebrate everyday and don't look at the calendar."' Photograph: Advanced Style
Advanced Style: Advanced Style
In one section of the blog, Ari's subjects proclaim their age, saying: "I'm proud to be... years old!". Jacquie Tajah Murdock is an 81-year-old dancer and writer. She thinks of style as an art form Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Adanced Style: Advanced Style
'I met this man on the Upper West Side. He was cool and confident in his great suit and winter coat', says Ari Photograph: Advanced Style
Advanced Style: Advanced Style model
Advanced Style features a quote from Ari: 'Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age.' Bridget Sojourner lives in London. She is a model and activist fighting against ageism Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
Advanced Style: Advanced Style
See more pictures, videos and stories from Advanced Style. Ari Seth Cohen's book Advanced Style will be out later this year. Photograph: Ari Seth Cohen
 

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