We’ve no doubt all seen some horrendous fashion crimes out on the streets before now, perpetrated by people of all ages, but older people in particular seem to get a bad rap when it comes to dressing themselves for the times, with endless jokes made about things like mom jeans, grannie panties and middle-aged men in sandals and socks.
The creators of the Japanese fashion blog L’idéal, however, decided that it was time to take a stand and right the wrongs unintentionally done to the country’s elderly. Showcasing some of the coolest and most beautifully dressed older Japanese women we’ve ever seen, L’idéal challenges stereotypes and hopes to change our outlook on this estranged generation.
L’idéal was started up in March this year as a tribute by photographer and site contributor MASA to his recently departed grandmother. He and fellow photographer MARI wanted to help rectify the perpetuated stereotypes of senior citizens using the medium they know best: fashion photography.
“To younger generations, seniors sometimes seem like they’re a different species altogether,” says MASA, creator of L’idéal. “This ‘granny image’ is a negative perspective on what it means to grow old, which I think younger people try to distance themselves from. But we’re all made of the same stuff. We’re all people. And these women have such a beautifully unique style that I honestly think it could change the negative connotation of that image into something to aspire to.”
The models used in L’idéal’s images were ordinary women that the two photographers happened to find walking down the streets of Ginza, an area of Tokyo known for its trendy flare. MASA and MARI looked for ladies whose outfits portrayed both a modern style and the individuality of the wearers themselves.
Just take a look at some of these knock-out older women and their seriously chic ensembles!
The people at L’idéal hope to show a younger generation that old age is not some unavoidable dead-end. It doesn’t stop you from getting out on the town, keeping up your hobbies, and looking fantastic in the process. It’s something to aspire to and embrace, rather than downplay and avoid. Just ask any of these high-class grandmas!
Inset images: L’idéal
[ Read in Japanese ]
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