Has the media become tired of all the reality show 'celebs' and the fashion designing footballer's wives? It would seem that the 15 minute fame grabbers have out stayed their welcome. Today the older woman is packing a punch!
The original trailblazers are showing us that they aren't ready to descend gracefully into old age and are coming out of the shadows. Reaffirming their stamp on the fashion timeline, they offer the youngsters something to aspire to and are showing them what status is all about...
1.Do something useful! - Mary Portas
You can't not notice the impact Mary Portas has had on the British retail industry. Her numerous TV shows go hand in hand with a true desire to make the British High Street something to be proud of again. From showing belligerent shop keepers an answer to their failing business to taking on the major retailers and encouraging them to step up their game to shining a little light of hope on some of the UK's more needy towns.
2.Have Poise - Sophia Loren
The original pin up girl is still going at 78, not only does she still look great she has a raft of awards under her belt for acting. Starring in many big name Hollywood films as well as a number of smaller TV mini-series. Showing no sign of giving up, she posed for the 2007 Pirelli Calendar at the fantastic age of 72! Tasteful and fiery are the images she poses for with natural aplomb and that doesn't look set to change any time soon.
3.Be a Leader - Vivienne Westwood
The punk icon became a punk so she could make a change. Still making cutting edge designer statements (think about the 'I am Julian Assange' t-shirt) she uses her status as a platform for causes close to her heart. She has always been the original outspoken First Lady of Fashion and this Grande Dame at the age of 71 is still creating successful runway shows and her shops and jewellery line are showing no signs of ageing gracefully.
4.Be Original - Iris Apfel
Who cannot take a liking to the quirky little lady that is Iris? After studying Art History in New York she began working for 'Women's Wear Daily', after marrying she and her Husband set up the textile firm 'Old World Weavers' and became the name for household furnishings in well-heeled homes. They earned their stripes by providing curtains, drapes and furniture for the White House through nine presidential administrations. The Rare Old Bird Famously quoted "When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else." And she stays true to her word, In October 2012 and the grand old age of 90 she launched her quirky handbag collection 'Extinctions'.
5.Make a Statement - Barbara Hulanicki
The original 60's hipster, whose shop Biba, became the original hangout for the coolest people on the scene. Biba (the nickname for Barbara's younger sister) became synonymous with the Kings road and the whole Chelsea set. Bowie, the Stones, Marianne Faithful and many more famous faces back in the day used to hang out there and Anna Wintour began her days as a shop girl there before going on to edit American Vogue. These days Barbara resides in Florida and owns a successful interior design business, she still designs clothing for certain designers and famously launched a collection for Topshop with items reminiscent of the early items from Biba's heyday. She was awarded an OBE in 2012 for her services to the fashion industry.