FASHION EDIT
PART 7
One interesting aspect of working in a field for a substantial period of time is that I have run into and worked with many of the same women year after year --— for some, even ten, twenty, thirty, or forty years after our original shoot.
I recently attended a Fashion Event at a private residence in Tiburon, California; and much to my surprise, I noticed a large canvas portrait of Mother and Child hanging in the entry. In the next moment, I realized it was a portrait that I had actually shot almost forty years earlier in my Northern California Studio. WOW, how weird was that!
It was wonderful to be greeted by this lovely hostess and meet her beautiful daughter all grown up. Needless to say, we had much to chat about.
Many of the Professional Models I have worked with over the years were originally photographed when they were in their early twenties -- —full of excitement and joy. Now in their early forties and fifties, I find these same women in my view finder. Unfortunately, I don't necessarily see much excitement and joy. Where is the Sparkle, the light I originally was able to capture?
Does our journey through life steal the joy from us or do we allow it to seep away gradually, unknowingly by default?
FASHION
Staying "On Trend" as our age shifts is not always an easy task, declares our Life Styled Editor, Gail Gabriel, who this last September stepped into her Seventieth year.
With the help of our friends at Alina B, a fine European Clothing Boutique, established in 1991 and located in the heart of Blackhawk, CA we discover the Art of Ageless Fashion.
"Fashion is Like Art and should be Interpreted in Ones Own Way," declares owner Alina B. Alina has been serving clients for 35 years and has established seven fashion stores along the way. Having come from Poland, Alina grew up with both fashion and art and believes "Fashion has no Age." Alina does not feel "Any Fashion should be Labeled Age Appropriate," believing "Fashion that is Stylish is always Timeless."
We Celebrate with you the "New Seventy!"
The FUSE Fashion Team
STYLE
TRENDS
FASHION
THROUGH MY LENS
by Penelope Bent-Lippincott
I have been photographing women professionally all of my adult life. This year marks my Fortieth year in this industry; and needless to say, I am so very grateful for all the amazing women that I have shared this exciting experience with, and for all that I have learned.
My camera lens has been a very intimate and private doorway into the lives and the emotions of the women I have photographed; and I thank them all for trusting in this most intimate and creative process.
I began shooting in the late seventies and early eighties as a Boudoir Photographer and then on to Fashion as the years passed. Being one of the very few female shooters at the time allowed for a much more honest narrative and collaboration with my clients.
Through those early years, I learned how to angle and adjust my subject for that "Perfect Picture;" but more then that, I learned "Visual Design." I also learned about a woman's spirit, illusion, and light.
I learned the Art of a Woman's Individual Style and how her Style Transitions with age.
Here is what I learned Through My Lens.
I learned early on to respect and protect my "Personal Energy/Spirit." That certainly does not mean I have always been successful; but it does mean that I am aware of how others, perhaps people we care deeply about, can unconsciously deplete us of this very important asset.
As I photographed these women throughout the different stages of their lives, there was a very common thread that reflected in their aging process. Those that had held onto their joy of living, and remained curious, had aged beautifully with excitement and ah! Those that became dissatisfied with themselves or others appeared tired, and their skin tones became more ashen rather then expressing a natural glow.
Because my job is so Up-Close and Personal, there is no way anyone can convince me Aging is not directly related to Attitude!
And I believe Attitude is directly related to what we CHOOSE to see! Right back to....is your cup half empty or half full?
What do you see? Do you journey through the aging process with the excitement of a true adventure or are you focused on trying to make time stand still?
Here is a piece, written by Charles Swindoll, I have had hanging in my Studio Office for at least the last forty years….
“ATTITUDE
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of ATTITUDE on life. ATTITUDE to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a school, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the ATTITUDE we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our Attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
I see life as the great adventure. So Buckle-Up Butter Cup and let's go for a good ride!
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