Nothing thrills me more than seeing an old lady hit the town in her best get up. It seems when you get to a certain age you stop worrying about trends, or what people think, or what is appropriate and you wear what gives you pure joy. In an industry which has ridiculously strong focus on youth, the ladies in the list put the ‘youth is beauty’ mantra to shame. If I could be as half as stylish as these ladies when I’m old and grey, then I’ll be a happy lady indeed.
10. Grandma Yetta
According to Wikipedia, her full name is Yetta Rosenberg Jones, but she’ll always be Grandma Yetta to me. Not one for the mantra ‘less is more’ Yetta was fearless with her style, mixing sequins with sports jackets and pearls with animal prints. Her best fashion moment came in the episode, which guest starred rapper Coolio. Coolio played a dorky musician who Fran had to turn into a rapper with street cred in a mere episode, When wondering where she is going to find an outfit for Coolio, Fran conveniently spots Grandma Yetta hobbling round in a ghetto fabulous silver tracksuits., which is quickly put on Coolio. Comedy and Fashion gold.
9. Dame Judi Dench
A theatre performer from way back, and an Oscar winner to boot, Dame Judi Dench can pull off the most dramatic of looks, from a Jacobean ruff to a velvet robe. Dressing to suit her Dame title, Judi seems to have a weakness for flowing fabrics, floor length gowns and short blond crop.
8. Barbara Walters
She holds her own on that women yelling at each other show ‘The View’ and has interviewed everyone in Hollywood, including the last gazillion American presidents, but underneath Barbara Walters is a little blonde minx. At 81 years of age, Barbara doesn’t look a day over 60. Her years of experience have not only carved out an amazing career, but has also allowed her to perfect her style of sleek suits, bold colours and little off the shoulder numbers.
7. Lee Lin Chin
Sandra Sully take note, just because you read the news doesn’t mean you can’t rock it out in the clothing department. Lee Lin Chin is a prime example. That red pin striped blazer? News never looked so good.
6. Vivienne Westwood
The woman who practically invented punk (along with Malcolm McLaren) has shown no slowing down in her old age. Not only is she an incredible designer, but what I like most about Viv is she’s not afraid to be freaking nuts! Embracing wrinkles, pale skin and orange hair in all its glory, Viv has recently begun to bypass the foetus looking models of the day and star in her own campaigns, along with Pamela Anderson, a pair of silicone breasts and Vivian’s much younger hubby Andreas Kronthaler.
5. Dame Helen Mirren
Yes it is possible to still be incredibly sexy at 65 and Helen Mirren is a living example. She and her husband even wake up a half hour earlier each day to make lovey touchy times. Outshining some of Hollywood’s biggest starlets the Oscars, Helen is living proof that aging gracefully and dressing accordingly is the way to go (*cough* Cher). But it doesn’t have to mean wearing dowdy mother of the bride styled outfits. In almost all of her red carpet outings Mirren wears shear lace to bare a bit of skin, but always tastefully done (once again, Cher, I’m fake coughing at you).
4. Patsy Stone
Yeah sorry Pats, but I’m counting you as old. But no one can pull off a quiff, a shoulder pad and a bottle of red quite like you, sweetie, darling. While her partner in crime Eddie’s enthusiasm for fashion often results in her looking like a cross between Kath Day Night and Lady Gaga, Pasty’s sleek frame works perfectly with her choice of seductive pantsuits, leather jackets, dark shades and red lips. Bravo Pats, bravo!
3. Quentin Bryce
I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again, Quentin Bryce is a total babe, and that’s probably the first time any Governor General has been described as such. Nobody wears pearls better than Quentin, and she has the most enviable collection of colourful 1960s styled suits, matching court shoes and pearl earrings. Too cute. Quentin Bryce, be my grandmother please!
2. Anna Wintour
There’s no denying the devil’s got style. And why wouldn’t she, she is the editor of Vogue! But despite the mouth-watering perks, Anna has managed to fine-tuned her style in an industry that would be throwing clothes at her left, right and centre. A signature bob, black sunglasses, Prada and Chanel seem to come naturally to Anna.
1. Anna Piaggi
The other Anna of the fashion world, Piaggi, is just a tad less rigid when it comes to her style. It seems Anna Piaggi was born to be an old woman. If a 20 year old were to walk the streets with blue curly hair, a miniature top hat, clashing prints, multicoloured fur and an umbrella in hand, they would look ridiculous. When Anna, who is estimated to be 78 years old according to The Fashion Spot, does it, she looks like she means business. No one has a style quite like hers, and in an industry where fashionistas are often trying to out do each other in the style stakes, you can’t help but applaud that.