Old is the New Cool

I recently heard a 20-something-year-old talking on TikTok, saying that the most valuable asset a woman could have was being 21 years old. They believe that at this age, you should go after everything you want because it’s the best time to get it.

While some may argue that wisdom comes with age, not many people would choose to be old over young, and the fashion industry has always been a big ally when pushing the dream of a fresh, wrinkle-free, no-gray-hair physique.

Breaking Age Barriers on the Runway

“Older” women have walked on the runway many times, but during NYFW, designer Batsheva Hay showcased her latest collection of 36 looks on the runway. What made her show unique was that she chose to feature women who were past their 20s and 30s.

She didn’t invite Cher, nor Diana Ross, Meryl Streep, or any other celebrity that has been celebrated for the longevity and young heart that keeps them in great shape in front of the cameras and on stage.

Her 36 looks were worn by friends, a couple of big names for those in the know and others were scouted on the street. They couldn’t believe that they had been chosen to be a part of a show where they didn’t typically belong.

80’s teenage forever sweetheart, Molly Ringwald was one of the main models. She’s in her 50s now and is having a great comeback on a very fashionable show: Feud—the Swans Vs Capote.

The opening look was worn by Lori Belilove, the director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation & Company, and my favorite look, number 10, which I’d love to have in my closet: The amazing black gathered maxi skirt and a hand-knit sweater with the word HAG, largely visible on its chest.

My husband asked why I would like to wear such a derogatory name on me. I know the word is meant to be insulting, but wearing it shows that I don’t care about its meaning. I am destroying its impact by proving that being a “HAG” can be cooler than being a 20-year-old who needs to look up its definition in a dictionary.

In introspection to the show, one can understand that fashion has been depicted as this ageist industry, yet the future looks promising and inclusive. Not just because it is a trend, but because we can and we should be a part of it.

P.S. The ‘HAG’ look was worn by British fashion designer Victoria Bartlett who looked great in it. Look her up! I want to be like her when I grow up.