95 Years Young

I always love when people recommend their stylish friends for me to photograph. Barbara Harris, who I have photographed twice before, wrote to tell me that I must meet her friend and style icon, 95-year-old Alvis Rogers. When I met Alvis at her apartment in Manhattan last week, she surely didn't disappoint, in a gorgeous hounds tooth jacket and cream overcoat. I asked Barbara to put together a few words about her dear friend below:

ALVIS ROGERS IS A CLASS ACT AND VERY ELEGANT. I've known Alvis close to 50 years. We met at Casdulan Hair Salon, owned by Frenchie, located next to the famed Apollo Theatre on 125th Street. The salon was  very popular during that time because all the hair stylists were great, which attracted very chic clients and celebrities--just to name a few, Diahaan Carroll, Lucille Armstrong (Louis Armstrong's wife) Audrey Smaltz (The Ground crew), and many others. After chatting with Alvis, we discovered we were  neighbors on Sugar Hill in Harlem. I was so struck by how this beautiful African  American woman was dressed, how she spoke and how she  just reeked of class and style. I  knew from this first meeting she was someone I wanted to get to know better and emmulate, so I could learn how it was properly done, She was also dripping of great jewelry--gold and diamonds, which also really  impressed me  (I,too wanted some of those).

As I introduced her to my friends, they, like me were in awe of her elegance, wit and style and wanted to know her better. Alvis was very worldly--having traveled a lot and took many cruises  which just seemed like  a wonderful life style. She invited me a few times for a Bon Voyage party on the ship, and I though that was very grand. Living in New York City during the 60's, and meeting a fabulous woman like Alvis(that looked like us) gave us a lot of hope and determination that we, also, could be Fabulous at any age. Women who see Alvis now are still inspired by her beauty, warmth and total togetherness. At her age she is till a star.

Ilona Royce Smithkin Celebrates Her 94th Birthday

Yesterday was Ilona's 94th Birthday and although she doesn't like to make a fuss about her special day, her friend Margo threw her a wonderful little party. When asked what she wanted for her birthday Ilona announced, "I just want to be well so I can sprinkle my Ilona joy dust around the world." For more pictures from Ilona's birthday check out our instagram page HERE.

Nonnie

I am always blown away by how talented and creative the ladies and gentleman I photograph are. Nonnie is wearing an outfit of her own design, paired with a hat by her new best friend Debra Rapoport. You definitely can't buy this kind of style off the rack.

Moving to the Center of the Bed

I met author Sheila Weinstein at one of Debra Rapoport's famous tea parties and was instantly inspired by her energy and her wonderful story. Sheila describes her experience moving to New York after the loss of her partner below:

The title of my book: Moving to the Center of the Bed, is a metaphor for moving to the center of my own life. My husband, a practicing ophthalmologist, was diagnosed with dementia when he was sixty four, and when he entered a facility I was alone for the first time in my life. I took notes on my strange and, at first, anxiety ridden new life, and it eventually turned into this book. It is about transforming myself from within, giving myself an inner makeover…more lasting than the makeovers I show up for at the cosmetics counters …to become the woman I am today.

I moved to NYC not knowing anyone and created a life filled with the things that have meaning for me. I’m a pianist and writer and for the last 10 years I’ve been a docent at Carnegie Hall and played there in 2008. I met new and creative people and found some amazing women my age (77 now) who love who they are, age be damned, and dress in original and liberating ways. They changed the way I think about my own aging. I’ve always loved wearing hats, but I still tend to be conservative in my dress. However, I am now unafraid to put myself out there as a woman of a certain age. I have lots of energy so let people figure out how old I am, if they care to.

My grateful appreciation to Ari for his love and appreciation of us older women.

More on Sheila Weinstein's work HERE.

Joyce

I always love a chance to catch up with Joyce Carpati. We are busy making plans to travel with The Advanced Style Documentary. Stay tuned for screening dates and locations soon!

A Hat a Day...

I was walking near Washington Square Park over the weekend, when I noticed a lady wearing a wonderful hat a few blocks away. I quickly ran up to her and asked if I could take her photograph. Once we were face to face I instantly recognized her as I had taken her photo, in another great hat, a few weeks before.

When I asked Suzan if I could take her photo again, she told me that she was on her way home after a day of shopping. She showed me two wonderful new vintage sailor hats that she had just purchased. After a quick photo I asked about her style inspiration and she replied, " My mother was the most chic person ever. I try to have fun with what I wear- why not? " I can't wait to run into Suzan again. Hopefully next time she'll be wearing a sailor hat.

Along Madison Avenue

The Advanced Style Documentary Is Premiering at HotDocs Film Festival

I'm excited to announce that The Advanced Style Documentary is almost here! Lina has been working hard on post production for the last few months and we are finally ready to share the film with the world. The Advanced Style Documentary will have it's World Premiere at HotDocs Film Festival, in Toronto, on April 29th. For tickets to the screenings CLICK HERE 

and check our Facebook page for more movie updates HERE.

Diana Gabriel

I first met jewelry designer, Diana Gabriel, outside of the Off Broadway Boutique where she sells several of her pieces. She's always dressed to the nines in a wonderful hat and great accessories. Check out more of her work HERE.

Linda Rodin and Winky

It's always a joy to catch up with Linda and Winky!

A Whimsical Look

I am constantly inspired by the creativity and originality expressed by the men and women I photograph. I first noticed this woman's wonderful leather hat and thought it looked like a contemporary art sculpture. From her coordinated double belts and boots to her incredible pants, every detail is imbued with a sense of imagination and whimsy.

Elaine Stritch:Shoot Me

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to meet and photograph the legendary Elaine Stritch. I was walking near the Carlyle Hotel when I saw her passing by. We had been chatting for a weeks about taking a portrait for my book, but Elaine couldn't find time in her schedule to meet. When I stopped her on the street, I reminded her of who I was and asked if I could take her photo. Her friend quickly told me that Elaine wasn't feeling too well and started to escort her past me. I responded that I was working on a book about fashionable women when all of a sudden, Elaine turned right around and said, "For fashion, I'll do anything! You have one minute kid." I will always remember my brief encounter with this incredible woman.

Please check out the trailer for Chiemi Karasawa's brilliant new documentary, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me, in theaters now!!! It will make you laugh, cry, and definitely step up your style game.

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me from Isotope Films on Vimeo.

Purple Rain

Off Broadway Boutique's always stunning and showstopping Lynn Dell Cohen.

Hats On

I hope you are enjoying the photos from my visit to the HATtitude show at ArtsWeschester. I met so many incredible ladies, wearing the most spectacular hats. If you have a free weekend the show will be up until April 12th. 

Thrifted and Gifted

Sunglasses by l.a. Eyeworks 

Debra Rapoport always looks stunning and original in her signature "thrifted and gifted" looks. Check out the video below for some great thrifting tips and to see some of Debra's handmade accessories CLICK HERE.)

A Feather in Your Cap

I always love a good pair of tortoise shell glasses, especially when paired with a great hat.

Palm Springs Re-Deux

I have been shooting in California and decided that I should make my way to Palm Springs to visit one of my favorite ladies, Colleen. My mom and I met Colleen  at her shop in Rancho Mirage a few years ago and she has since become one of our best friends. If you have a chance to visit her shop in Rancho Mirage, stop in and say hello for me.

Re-Deux

71598 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

(760) 776-9662

Go Blue

It's always a pleasure to catch up with Dolores when I'm in San Diego. Check out her wonderful jewelry shop HERE.

A Milliner In Mudcloth

SEX AFTER 80??? Oui, Oui, Si, Si, A rousing YES in every language

SEX AFTER 80???   Oui, Oui, Si, Si,  A rousing YES in every language.

Did you know that sexual desire can be considerable at any age? In fact, an active sex life can increase longevity among senior  people. So, get out there and remember, SEX has no age and LOVE has no age.

LOOKING GOOD!!!vWalking along 5^thAvenue, and I’m dressed in an outfit that I know will make heads turn—I find young men, older men, young women, older women smiling broadly at me, even paying me compliments. I feel GREAT, I feel SEXY and ALIVE and my confidence soars. I could succeed in anything! I HAVE NO AGE. Get yourself a fabulous outfit, go out there and THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND!

SEXUAL FANTASIES, If you have an imagination then you must  at sometime, have had sexual fantasies. I have  them and enjoy them! I will never forget the wonderful love story of THE ENGLISH PATIENT brought  to the screen with Kristen Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes. If you haven’t seen it do get a copy. The unforgettable torrid love scenes between these two have never left me. I wish I could have been Kristen Scott Thomas. YES, YES. Sexual fantasy can be great.

I leave you with this: "WE DON’T  STOP PLAYING BECAUSE WE GROW OLD,WE GROW OLD BECAUSE WE STOP PLAYING."(George Bernard Shaw)  

I would love to hear your thoughts!                                                                       

-Joyce Carpati

Tziporah Salamon Hits Hollywood

Tziporah has been living in Los Angeles for the past few months. She has been performing her one woman show throughout California and making appearances at some of Hollywood's most fabulous parties. I can't what to see what she does next!