Dressed: The History of Fashion
Episode: Advanced Style, Part II: Meet the Models and Muses (Dressed Classic)
Hosts: April Callahan & Cassidy Zachary
Release Date: February 28, 2025

Introduction

In this enriching episode of Dressed: The History of Fashion, hosts April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary delve deeper into the Advanced Style movement, originally spearheaded by Ari Seth Cohen. This installment, titled "Advanced Style, Part II: Meet the Models and Muses," features intimate conversations with key figures who have both influenced and been influenced by the movement. The episode celebrates the enduring allure of fashion as a form of self-expression, particularly among individuals over the age of 60.

Revisiting Roots: Hyland Booker and Charlotte

[01:57]
April introduces Hyland Booker, the podcast's very first guest from its inaugural episode, now joined by his wife Charlotte. Hyland's contributions to the Advanced Style and the subsequent Advanced Love movements are highlighted, emphasizing their impact on redefining relationships with aging and fashion.

• Hyland Booker: Reflects on 35 years of marriage, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and avoiding grudges.
  “If you're on each other's side, there's no end.” [05:03]

• Charlotte Booker: Shares her journey from wearing business attire to embracing personal style post-pregnancy, underscoring how fashion remains integral to their identity.

The Bookers discuss their enduring relationship with fashion, touching upon memorable moments such as April's iconic 1985 Valentine's Day attire—a significant memory that underscores how clothing can encapsulate personal milestones.

Alice Carey: Embracing Heritage and Personal Style

[17:04]
Alice Carey, a model and author, joins the conversation to elucidate her unique blend of Irish heritage and New York sophistication. Her early exposure to fashion through her mother's role as a maid in theatrical households profoundly influenced her appreciation for style.

• Alice Carey:
  “Clothing is an act of creativity. It's about building something that speaks to me.” [30:53]

Alice discusses her transition from acting to writing, emphasizing how her personal style evolved as a reflection of her life's journeys, including experiences in Hungary and her subsequent embrace of sustainable fashion practices.

Valerie von Sobel: The Art of Statement Dressing

[25:40]
Valerie von Sobel, known as the "COVID girl" in Ari's Advanced Style Older and Wiser, shares her artistic approach to fashion. Valerie highlights the significance of color, texture, and layering in creating visually captivating outfits.

• Valerie von Sobel:
  “Style is healing because it allows us to be true to ourselves.” [83:35]

She elaborates on her philosophy of mixing high and low fashion, utilizing secondhand pieces, and the importance of sustainability in her wardrobe. Her creative process involves selecting statement pieces that resonate with her personal narrative and artistic inclinations.

Marcia Battle Philpott: Fashion as Lifelong Passion

[40:03]
Marcia Battle Philpott, a Detroit-based writer, performer, and cultural historian, discusses her lifelong dedication to fashion despite her career as a psychiatric nurse. Marcia emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of fashion, viewing dressing as a meditative and expressive act.

• Marcia Battle Philpott:
  “Dressing well is its own reward.” [51:11]

She recounts her experiences working on Top of the Pops in the 1960s and 70s, where rapid costume changes and creative expression were paramount. Marcia's insights shed light on the intersection of fashion and mental well-being, advocating for the joy and confidence that come from personal style.

Barbara and Stanley: A Modern Romance Fueled by Style

[53:54]
The dynamic duo Barbara Flood and Stanley Philpott offer a glimpse into their unconventional, cross-coast marriage anchored in mutual respect and individual pursuits. Barbara, a lifelong model and stylist, and Stanley, a former art student and co-creator of Top of the Pops, discuss how their distinct interests and autonomy strengthen their relationship.

• Barbara Flood:
  “Give space to each other to express who you are.” [65:28]

They advocate for maintaining individuality within a partnership, suggesting that embracing each other's passions fosters a harmonious and creative union. Their relationship serves as a testament to blending love with personal style, proving that fashion can be a collaborative and supportive element in a marriage.

Judith Boyd: The Style Crone's Healing Through Dress

[68:08]
Judith Boyd, also known as the Style Crone, shares her journey from psychiatric nursing to becoming a style icon. Judith emphasizes the importance of dressing as a form of self-expression and healing, especially during challenging times such as caregiving and coping with grief.

• Judith Boyd:
  “Style is an art form that helps us connect with ourselves.” [70:55]

She discusses her successful hat shop in the 1980s and her ongoing commitment to sustainability and upcycled fashion. Judith's approach integrates creativity with practicality, demonstrating how personal style can be both impactful and environmentally conscious.

Deborah Rapoport: Mending as Meditation

[75:00]
Deborah Rapoport explores the therapeutic benefits of mending and upcycling in her fashion practice. As a native New Yorker and experienced educator, Deborah highlights how fashion can serve as a meditative and creative outlet.

• Deborah Rapoport:
  “Style is about building something that speaks to me.” [83:47]

Deborah elaborates on her artistic process of transforming discarded materials into wearable art, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and personal connection to each piece. Her philosophy underscores the role of fashion in fostering creativity and resilience.

Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Fashion as Self-Expression: Across all interviews, a recurring theme is the view of fashion as a powerful medium for personal expression and identity formation. Whether it's through building unique outfits or upcycling materials, the guests emphasize the importance of clothing in reflecting one's inner self.

2. Sustainability and Creativity: Many guests advocate for sustainable fashion practices, such as thrifting, upcycling, and supporting independent designers. This approach not only promotes environmental responsibility but also encourages creativity and individuality.

3. Healing and Well-being: Fashion is portrayed as a therapeutic activity that contributes to mental well-being. Dressing well, according to the guests, fosters confidence, joy, and a sense of purpose, especially during challenging life phases.

4. Intergenerational Impact: The episode underscores the influence of personal relationships and heritage on one's fashion journey. From Hyland and Charlotte's enduring partnership to Alice Carey's heritage-infused style, the connections between past and present are evident.

5. Breaking Ageist Stereotypes: The Advanced Style movement, as discussed, challenges societal norms surrounding age and fashion. The guests exemplify that style knows no age limits and that embracing one's fashion sense can redefine perceptions of aging.

Notable Quotes

• Hyland Booker:
  “If you're on each other's side, there's no end.” [05:03]

• Alice Carey:
  “Clothing is an act of creativity. It's about building something that speaks to me.” [30:53]

• Valerie von Sobel:
  “Style is healing because it allows us to be true to ourselves.” [83:35]

• Marcia Battle Philpott:
  “Dressing well is its own reward.” [51:11]

• Barbara Flood:
  “Give space to each other to express who you are.” [65:28]

• Judith Boyd:
  “Style is an art form that helps us connect with ourselves.” [70:55]

• Deborah Rapoport:
  “Style is about building something that speaks to me.” [83:47]

Conclusions

Advanced Style, Part II: Meet the Models and Muses serves as a compelling exploration of how fashion transcends age, bridging personal history with creative expression. Through heartfelt interviews and insightful discussions, April Callahan and Cassidy Zachary illuminate the diverse ways in which individuals use clothing to narrate their life stories, assert their identities, and foster connections. This episode not only celebrates the timeless nature of style but also reinforces the transformative power of fashion in enhancing one's quality of life.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique style journeys, find joy in their wardrobe choices, and recognize fashion as a vital component of personal and communal identity.

For More Information:

• Website: DressedHistory.com
• Instagram: @hellorusthistory
• Bookshop: Bookshop.org/shop/dressed
• Featured Guests' Instagram: Various handles provided during interviews.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the Advanced Style, Part II episode, highlighting the profound connections between fashion, identity, and personal growth as shared by the inspiring guests.