Dressed: The History of Fashion
Episode Summary: Advanced Style, Part I: An Interview with Ari Seth Cohen (Dressed Classic)

Release Date: February 26, 2025

Overview

In this compelling episode of "Dressed: The History of Fashion," hosts April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary engage in an insightful conversation with Ari Seth Cohen, the visionary behind the groundbreaking blog and movement, Advanced Style. Celebrating over a decade of championing the vibrant and unique styles of individuals aged 60 and above, Cohen shares the origins, growth, and profound impact of his work on both the fashion industry and societal perceptions of aging.

1. Origin of Advanced Style

Timestamp: 03:09

Ari Seth Cohen delves into the heartfelt beginnings of Advanced Style, tracing its roots back to his deep bond with his grandmother, Bluma. "I learned early on that you can transform your mood with clothing," Cohen reflects (03:09). This connection to his grandmother's eclectic wardrobe ignited his passion for fashion and individuality. The loss of his grandmother in 2008 served as a catalyst for Cohen to create a platform that not only honors her memory but also celebrates the sartorial elegance of older individuals.

2. Evolution and Expansion

Timestamp: 06:02

From its humble beginnings as a street style blog in 2008, Advanced Style has blossomed into a multifaceted international movement. Cohen highlights the transformation: "Advanced Style may have started as a blog, it has now also become a wildly popular Instagram page as well as three books... and a documentary" (06:02). This expansion underscores the universal appeal and resonance of celebrating style beyond age norms.

3. Selecting Muses and Building Community

Timestamp: 09:01

Cohen emphasizes the serendipitous nature of finding his subjects, often encountering them organically on the streets of New York City. "Once you open your eyes, you start seeing certain things," he remarks (07:45). Key figures like Deborah Rapaport and Ilona Roy Smithkin become central to his narrative, embodying the fusion of personal style and life experience. These relationships extend beyond photography, fostering deep friendships and mutual admiration.

4. Style vs. Fashion

Timestamp: 12:25

A pivotal discussion in the interview revolves around the distinction between style and fashion. Cohen articulates, "Style is really their personal meditation... as if their body's a canvas" (12:25). Unlike transient fashion trends, the styles showcased in Advanced Style are deeply personal and expressive, reflecting each individual's journey and identity. This approach challenges the industry's often youth-centric focus, advocating for authenticity and self-expression at any age.

5. Combating Ageism in Fashion

Timestamp: 15:44

Cohen addresses the pervasive ageism within the fashion and beauty industries. He critiques the "anti-aging" narrative pervasive in advertisements, stating, "Anti-aging is so ageist. It creates a sense of fear about getting older" (15:44). Advanced Style serves as a counter-narrative, empowering older individuals to embrace their age with confidence and creativity. This shift not only alters societal perceptions but also influences brands to recognize and engage with the older demographic.

6. Impact on the Fashion Industry and Opportunities for Muses

Timestamp: 19:15

The influence of Advanced Style on the fashion industry is profound. Cohen recounts collaborations with brands like Karen Walker and Marc Jacobs, who sought to incorporate older models into their campaigns. "Marc Jacobs based one of his collections on the Advanced Style women," Cohen notes (19:59). These partnerships have opened doors for his muses, providing them with new career opportunities and increasing visibility for older individuals in fashion media.

7. Advanced Love: Expanding the Narrative

Timestamp: 30:56

Building upon the foundation of Advanced Style, Cohen introduces "Advanced Love," a project focused on love and relationships among older individuals. He shares, "There's never a point where you can't find someone to love or share your life with" (30:56). This endeavor underscores the multifaceted lives of his subjects, highlighting enduring partnerships and the continuous capacity for love and connection regardless of age.

8. Life Lessons and Inspirations

Timestamp: 26:07

Throughout his journey, Cohen has gleaned invaluable life lessons from his muses. Themes of authenticity, continuous personal growth, and resilience emerge as common threads. "Life lessons are just really about being yourself and finding out who you are," Cohen asserts (26:30). These insights not only enrich his work but also offer universal wisdom applicable to listeners of all ages.

9. Personal Reflections and Gratitude

Timestamp: 24:40

Cohen expresses profound gratitude for the relationships he has built through Advanced Style. "They've given me an incredible gift and a sense of purpose," he shares (24:42). The mutual exchange of wisdom and support between Cohen and his muses highlights the transformative power of community and shared passion.

Conclusion

Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style exemplifies the intersection of fashion, personal identity, and societal change. By spotlighting the elegance and individuality of older individuals, Cohen not only redefines beauty standards but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse fashion landscape. This episode of "Dressed: The History of Fashion" serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of style and the human spirit.

Notable Quotes

• Ari Seth Cohen (03:09): "I learned early on that you can transform your mood with clothing."
• Ari Seth Cohen (12:25): "Style is really their personal meditation... as if their body's a canvas."
• Ari Seth Cohen (15:44): "Anti-aging is so ageist. It creates a sense of fear about getting older."
• Ari Seth Cohen (19:59): "Marc Jacobs based one of his collections on the Advanced Style women."
• Ari Seth Cohen (26:30): "Life lessons are just really about being yourself and finding out who you are."
• Ari Seth Cohen (30:56): "There's never a point where you can't find someone to love or share your life with."

Stay Tuned

Join April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary next week for "Advanced Style Part II," where they will interview some of Ari's remarkable muses, offering deeper insights into their lives and the philosophies that drive their timeless elegance.

For more insights and to explore the world of Advanced Style, visit DressedHistory.com and follow "Dressed: The History of Fashion" on Instagram at @Dressed_Podcast.