Women over 60 rarely attract the fashion spotlight — even less often for purposes of praise.
But Ari Seth Cohen has roamed the streets of New York City to train his lens on the most stylish among them. Since 2008 he has captured their self-possessed splendor on his blog Advanced Style (advancedstyle.blogspot.com). A fervent following led to his 2012 book by the same name. And now a documentary film, opening this weekend at the Gene Siskel Film Center, focuses on seven of his savviest, sassiest subjects, age 60 to 90.
Director Lina Plioplyte follows these New Yorkers on their adventures over the course of four years, during which they challenge conventional ideas of aging, open up about their pleasures and disappointments, and reflect on growing old even as Western culture increasingly obsesses over youth. At times poignant, always entertaining, the film leaves no doubt that these women remain a vital, vibrant force in society.
The red carpet rolls out for the 6 p.m. Chicago premiere Friday night, complete with a host and photographer. Following the screening is a Q&A with Cohen and Plioplyte via Skype, led by Chicago author and fashion commentator Amy Tara Koch.
On Sunday, Chicago fashion maven and wardrobe consultant Barbara Glass will moderate another conversation with Cohen, via Skype, after the 3:30 p.m. screening.
The film runs 72 minutes with showtimes through Oct. 30 at the Siskel Center, 164 N. State St. Tickets are $11, $6 for members; $7 for patrons age 65 and over. See http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/advance_style
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