NYC Aging Hosts ‘Style is Ageless’ Fashion Show

NYC Aging Hosts 'Style is Ageless' Fashion Show

Event highlighted designs by older New Yorkers representing their unique stories and cultural backgrounds

Designers spent months creating clothes that they wore for the show, with models from FIT

New York, NY - During New York Fashion Week, on September 15, at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center, 19 older NYC-based fashion designers presented their clothes on the runway at Style is Ageless, a one-of-a-kind fashion show featuring designs for and by older adults. Fashion has always been a way for individuals to express themselves, and this program offered older New Yorkers the opportunity to show who they are, while building confidence and self-acceptance.

Over several months, the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) and FIT organized workshops, where members created clothes that helped to tell their individual stories, along with their cultural heritage and backgrounds. Some of the designers had decades of experience while others were just beginners. The clothes they made were worn on stage by the designers themselves and models from FIT. Special guest Fern Mallis, who created New York Fashion Week, spoke at the event to show her support for the designers.

"To build an age-inclusive city we need to show that older adults can contribute to our city just as much as anyone else. Style is Ageless proved that because of their experience, the designers were able to create clothes that resonated with the public, and I congratulate and thank them for sharing their creations with us," said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. "There are so many opportunities for older New Yorkers to sharpen their creative gifts at an older adult center, and I encourage them to find one in their community today."

"FIT is so pleased to participate in this new initiative, 'Style is Ageless,' in partnership with the NYC Department of Aging," said FIT President Jason S. Schupbach. "This event brings together our entire FIT family with the New York City community to celebrate these extraordinary creators who are proof that talent and style have no limits."

"I'm so happy to support 'Style is Ageless' because it is!! You're never too old to be creative, design clothes, and wear whatever makes you feel fabulous," said Creator of New York Fashion Week Fern Mallis. "I mentor a talented 10-year-old designer, Max Alexander and was a big supporter of Iris Apfel who was at her most creative in her 90's."

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About NYC Aging:

The NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) promotes and supports inclusive, safe, affordable, healthy aging. NYC Aging remains steadfast in its role and responsibility to preserve the dignity and quality of life for approximately 1.8 million diverse older New Yorkers by eliminating food insecurity, providing access to affordable, stable housing, enhancing access to quality healthcare services and protecting older New Yorkers from harm and abuse with the ultimate goal of a more age-friendly city in which older adults can age gracefully with respect.