Bethann Hardson was A Gorgeous and Hot Model in the 70's. Today she is Campaigning Once Again for Diversity

HOT MODEL OF THE '70'S IS FIGHTING FOR DIVERSITY ON THE RUNWAY

In the 70's Bethann Harden was a top BLACK Model. She was one of just
a few. From the photo above you can see what a beautiful woman she was.(In the update at the end of this article you will see that she still is a beauty.)  In 1985 she decided to open her own "Indie" Modeling Agency.  In the mid '80's, black women, for the first time in history, were being used on the runways, on magazine covers, and all over. It was indeed an unbelievable turn around and one that Bethann celebrated and  used to the benefit of many models of different ethnicities.  As a black woman and model herself she was thrilled that the tide seemed to be turning.

The past few years,however, the tide has turned back the other way.  Rarely do you see a black model on the runways, or on magazine covers. Halle Berry isn't even that prevalent. Bethann explains that Miuccia Prada was the first to get rid of the "black girl" and began to editorialize her shows. She wouldn't use models who had famous faces. Ultimately, the black model began to disappear and all the models had to look white and alike. That way, you would notice the clothes instead of the girl. 

Bethann goes on to explain that, ultimately, it caught on and the fashion model was no longer someone with personality like Linda Evangelista, or Naomi Campbell. The model "became somebody you didn't know, who just walked down the runway straight to the end and back. Once you don't want anyone to stand out, then you have to take out the people who do stand out."

In 2013 Bethann, along with Naomi Campbell and Iman, launched The Balanced Diversity campaign to end racism on the runway.  In an open letter to the governing bodies of the major fashion cities- New York, London, Milan, and Paris-she blasted the industry for its white-washed model casts, stating that no matter what the intention, the result is "racism". And she wasn't afraid to name the Designers who were most guilty. 

One year later, Bethann has seen some improvements in New York and Milan. Prada and Jill Sander also included several models of color, where they usually don't use any. She also cautions young models not to take it personally; there's nothing wrong with you, there's something wrong with the system.

Rumor has it that Oprah doesn't want to be on the cover of her own Magazine any longer.  Personally, I think it is long overdue that Oprah put other people her cover. How many times do we need to see her photo-shopped when she could possibly help someone else get a break, or pioneer a cause?  I say: Let Oprah start giving back and help out too!! (That's just my opinion!!). 
Anyway, good luck to Bethann. She is doing a good thing for everyone alive because every one of us is diverse in some way or another. 

      Bethann today, third person from left, with Naomi Campbell and Iman

February, 2015 Update:

The diversity movement seems to be picking up steam. Catherine Deneuve, Charlotte Rampling, Helen Mirren, Jessica Lange, and a slew of other Over Fifty women have recently been in the Mainstream of Advertisers and Retailers eyes.

Bethann will be in the Barney's of New York Spring/ Summer Ad Campaign.

This is getting so exciting, the diversity of Over Fifty women is definitely on a roll, and let's hope it continues.

  

Truly a Gutsy and Fun Lady We Should All Try to Emulate, Bridget Sojourner

Bridget Sojourner is A Pioneer to be Admired for her Lust for Life and her Determination to Live it to the Fullest!!

“People stop me everyday in the street, amazed that I look so stylish at my age.  The insidious ageism in our society says that you become invisible as you get older and that’s what I’m fighting against visually with my clothes.”  Bridget Sojourner

Bridget looks a million dollars, but her clothes and accessories come from charity shops and she survives on just £100 a week. Her most expensive recent purchase was a pair of Doc Marten boots for £4. Bridget has been a campaigner all her life and does not intend to give up now – taking on the task of raising the profile of older women.

If she could tell her younger self something, it would be this: "That I was not immortal; that life would be so short; that children grow up really fast/ they are young for such a short time: in essence that I need more time (every day/month/year) to live."

When asked for her tips on how women can 'get ahead' as they grow older, Bridget said: "Ahead of who? Work/ life is not a competition – it can be so enjoyed by becoming/ remaining curious, confident, interested, assertive, developing your character, style, caring for and cooperating with others and continuing to explore as much/ many things as possible."

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10312670/Meet-six-fabulous-women-aged-73-and-upwards-redefining-what-it-means-to-be-old.html

Are You an Ageist? Are Baby Boomers Embracing Age?

Do You Think It's Possible That Baby Boomer's Are in Denial That They Are Getting Older

There are over 100 million Americans over the age of 50 in the United States. The Baby Boomers will soon control more than 70 percent of all disposable income. Over two-thirds of all the cars bought in the United States will be purchased by Baby Boomers. Over half of all computers will be purchased by Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers spend over $7 million a year on online shopping.  Source: AARP

These statistics would have any advertising agency frothing at the bit to have even the smallest portion of this target market, the largest in the western world.  Yet advertisers have ignored the fact that as Boomers, we have spent over $400 billion dollars more than any other generation. They continue to ignore our presence and our influence in the market place.  In fact, pick up almost any magazine (other than a Readers' Digest and the like) and the only time you will see an adult over fifty is for a medical condition such as arthritis, or incontinence, or perhaps  the happy recipient of a Viagra user. Source: Entrepreneur.com

Boomers are definitely excluded from media which this article will help to explain; however, the fact remains that we are being discriminated against.  In this country, when any group is treated differently than another or  is excluded, everybody is up at arms. The best example is when one race is treated unfairly. We call that racism.  In this instance it is referred to as ageism. 

The term "ageism" was coined 45 years ago by Dr. Robert Butler, a physician, gerontologist, psychiatrist, and director of the National Institute on Aging. Butler, who grew up with his grandparents, was sensitive to the dismissive attitude of his medical colleagues toward the elderly and later became their champions. In characterizing the unequal treatment of people based upon their chronological age, he referred to it as ageism.  Source: Nelson, T. (Ed.) (2002). Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice against Older People. MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-64057-2.

Since that time, the subject has been explored by academicians, policy makers and researchers. Just this month,  The 24th ISA World Congress of  Sociology convened where a primary topic of the Conference was "Age Inequalities, Ageism and Age Discrimination: Still on the Rise?"

However, you don't have to be a sociologist, a doctor, or a scholar to know that, at least, in the United States, ageism not only exists, but that it is prevalent. As all of us over fifty know, we have become outnumbered and outdated by advances  in computers, social media, and exponential advancements in technology.  Ageism exists in all facets of American life, but can actually be seen most visibly in the world of fashion. 

Last year, at the Royal College of Art, in London, a seminar devoted to fashion and getting older took place. Professor Julia Twigg from the University of Kent, in London, was a presenter. Professor Twigg has published a book,  Fashion and Age. Ms. Twigg's  research is the first known study to explore the relationship between clothing and age.  In her book she examines  sociological and historical data, along with fashion theory and cultural gerontology. 

The findings revealed, not surprisingly, that society has historically dictated the norms of older women and dress, such as : higher necklines, longer skirts, looser clothing, darker colors, and most of all, anything that would attempt to attract sexual attention. Concomitant with these "rules" comes a sense of isolation, or the "cultural exile of feminity."  (Any isolation of the elderly is a serious sociological problem that the U.S. government is finally beginning to address.) 

Ms. Twigg concludes that ageism clearly exists at a visceral level in response to merely the appearance of an older person.Fashion and Age p.8. Hence, explaining the dearth of women over 50 in any advertisements. The word visceral conotes a negative emotion that is almost revolting or disgusting ; a pretty condemning prognosis for women who may have 40 to 50 more years to live. 

On a more positive note, research also shows that the rules of fashion and "social ordering" have lessened. Social ordering is being called by academia as the "Reconstitution of Ageing Thesis".  "Across both academic and popular accounts there is a pervasive belief that the nature of old age has undergone significant changes in the past 30 years due to a number of factors too lengthy for this article.  Sociologically, though,  stages of life have become more fluid and less clearly defined. This, of course is promising and helps explain why we are beginning to see a few older women in fashion, such as Lauren Hutton.

Brands and the media reflect both sides of this research.  The British Publication, High 50, spoke to the ad agency for Guinness Beer. The message Guinness wanted to convey was that their consumer has "integrity, character, and the ability to make the most of life". They attest that they never considered age as a factor, but only "attitude". The result is an ad campaign with snappily dressed older men known as the "Sapeurs".  

If you have seen the Dos Equis beer ads, you will recall the distinctively handsome older man (“the most interesting man in the world”) with white hair and white beard in the ad.  He is becoming a well recognized face that people associated with something positive, which is definitely a step in the right direction.

In general, Western Europe has been quicker to embrace older people in the media than the U.S. In the mid '90s, Paris and London opened an ad agency, Masters Models, and hired only people over 50 with the awareness that the demographics in the marketplace are changing.  Here is a sample of a group of new "older" models recently hired.  You can see that they are not the glamourous toothpicks that you are used to seeing. 

The ad agency, Joint London, worked for many years with Marks and Spencer Department Store in London. The co-founder, Lori Meakin, against protest, brought Twiggy in to promote the brand. The campaign was a huge success, resulting in Marks and Spencer subsequently using Helen Mirren, Annie Lennox, and other "older celebrities" who sit amongst younger models. 

The clever use of Twiggy was very apropos considering that she was an icon of the cultural revolution which took place in the '60s.  Hopefully, she is once again helping to spearhead another cultural revolution by spurring on the cultural acceptance of older women, and men, in the media. 

As Ms. Twigg's article points out, it has traditionally been taboo for "women over a certain age" to attempt to attract sexual attention." Along with Master's Modeling, another agency aptly named, Mrs. Robinson, has been pushing the status quo of this taboo.  If you go to their websites you will find photos of women who are not only dressed in sexually revealing clothes, but in sexually evocative scenes as well;  such as the one below.

As a Baby Boomer yourself, examine your initial reaction to this picture.  It evokes that "visceral" response, doesn't it? Maybe it's because we don't see ourselves as old?  Or maybe it's because we are in denial that we are getting older? Nonetheless, if this photo offends you in any way, perhaps you too are an ageist without even knowing it.  Until we can really embrace who we are as older adults and an ageing population, we will never like ourselves.  If we don't like ourselves, how can we expect the media to like us?  There will be more discussions on this topic and feel free to leave comments. However, in the meantime,  maybe we need to consider the few designers and cosmetics companies who DO hire someone over 60, as trail blazers. Let's call it a small victory until we give ourselves more time to reflect on just exactly who the Ageists are. 

Catherine Deneuve modeling for Louis Vuitton

This article was published in Boomeon.com. 

London's Department Store, Selfridge's, is Taking the Lead in Promoting Over Fifty Women and Men

Selfridge's Starts A wonderful Campaign, "BRIGHT OLD THINGS" to Showcase Older Adults who have reinvented themselves.  Each Person Gets their own Window Display on Oxford Street!!

Every year Selfridge's, in London, has an annual talent showcase called Bright Young Things.
This year, however, Selridge's has wisely chosen people ranging from their forties to mid-eighties who have undergone a retirement renaissance and struck out in to a completely new field. Some of the people who have given up their life long careers are: Molly Parkin, a former fashion editor; and Tim Bushe, a former architect; and of course, Sue Kreitzman, who has become one of the Fabulous Fashionistas.

Each person  has been given a dedicated Oxford Street Display Window, where willing passersby will be able to see how brilliantly they have recreated themselves. Sue Kreitzman,  has her own line of jewelry. You can see Molly Parkin painting. Tony Gibson, a former product designer will be broadcasing "Earth News for Space", a vlog series where he explains life on Earth to extra-terrestrials.

This is Sue Kreitzman's line of eccentric jewelry and other odds and ends.

Kudos once again to our neighbors over the pond for embracing Aging. After all, if you are lucky
enough, everyone will get there.  These wonderful people are a great inspiration for all humanity,
not just Baby Boomers.  It gives young people something to think about too.!!  Wouldn't it be
nice if the U. S. started doing things like this!!!

Bloomindales Offers Fashion Over Fifty and Mark Carter the Opportunity to Produce a Fashion Show with Only Women Over Fifty!!

Introducing Eight of the Ladies of Fashion Over Fifty and

Preparation for the big SHOW at Bloomingdales on Dec. 6. 

Fashion Over Fifty and

 Mark Carter Begin.

Our first fifteen women to walk down the runway at Bloomingdales.  Many women committed, but due to unforeseen circumstances, had to drop out at the last minute. Scrambling. Putting a fashion show together is all about scrambling.  Schedules change, security alarms go off in the store the day of the rehearsal, flights are delayed, you name it.  Finally, we get thirteen of the models together and the other two will come later. After all the scrambling, here we are. 

 What a wonderful and diverse group of ladies. Ranging in ages from fifty-two to NINETY!! Sizes ranged from Size 2 to Size 16. From all walks of life, all races, and many socio-economic groups. But, they all have one thing in common.  They are all women Over Fifty and each woman had her own reason for wanting to push themselves to do this.  When life gets too comfortable, that's the time to challenge yourself. All of these wonderful women did just that. The time and effort they put in paid off for them individually and for the bigger cause, Women Over Fifty.

Our runway coach, Mark Carter, has produced his own fashion shows for years. Never, however, with only models Over Fifty.  For Mark, not a problem. One of the most professional coaches ever, along with being kind, non-judgmental, and encouraging.  All of the women felt so comfortable with his direction and style of teaching, it was great.  Nonetheless, still hard work.  Head up, shoulders back, stomachs in, quarter turn, quarter turn, and quarter turn, were only some of the things each woman had to remember while nervously modeling down the runway.

This is Laural. Mark is walking with Laural, as he will do with each model, to help them feel confident, and to help them with their techniques. Laural is enjoying this, and  enjoyed so much of it. Last year Laurel had decided that she was going to work on herself and her self-confidence. It's hard to think of a better way to that than this. At the end, Laural was so happy that she had done this and that it had come at the perfect time.

Laural was touched by the camaraderie among the women. Everyone really encouraged each other whether it be in modeling, or trying on clothes, or just being supportive. "It felt like a sisterhood of women encouraging other women." Now, isn't that the way it should be?   We think so.

Laural has accomplished so much in her life. She has 2 Master's Degrees and she in now working on her PhD. She was also an early childhood educator for many years but has retired. However, Laural has no plans on slowing down. She volunteers, and is working on being the best sister she can be. Now, she can add this to her list of things she has accomplished.  Thanks so much Laural.  Your presence was a gift to all of us.  

This is Blanche.  Blanche is 61. Blanche Romey sells Real Estate in the city of Chicago. At almost six feet tall, she played basketball in college. Her athleticism came in handy for this job.  She was right at ease and we all wished we were as tall as Blanche.  Just being tall made Blanche look like a model!!  Not fair.                                                                     Blanche was one of 12 kids. Hardly a "fashionista", as she wore mostly "hand-me-downs". She believes that we are each each other's landscapes, meaning that when you look at someone and they look good, it makes you feel good too. It makes everybody feel better. Not everyone is perfect or even beautiful, but as long as you can be the most beautiful person that you can be, there is a great sense of self-contentment.                                                                                            Blanche was a beautiful landscape at the fashion show. As the tallest and probably most athletic, Blanche made it look so easy.  Thanks so much to Blanche for her participation. 

 This is Eileen. Eileen was a Public School teacher for many years.  She has also been a business owner, an event planner, and now she even does Improv around Chicago, along with singing at the Old Town School of Music. What doesn't she do?

Eileen recently had an epiphany when a young girl apologized for accidentally running in to her.
The young girl said that she hadn't seen Eileen, and suddenly Eileen realized that she didn't see herself either. This modeling opportunity helped Eileen on her new found mission to get a picture of who she really is. Watching her walk down the runway, you could just see that she is beginning to see herself in a beautiful and confident light.

Eileen seemed to blossom like a flower during the week. On the final day at the fashion show, she was like a different person.   All of her hard work paid off, and it was great having her aboard. Thank you so much.

 This is Cindi. Cindi came all the way from California. Her youngest daughter recently left for college and she is going through the empty nest syndrome. I talked her in to coming because I thought it would be the best thing for her to get back on her feet.
She actually had a really good time, but unfortunately, couldn't stay for the fashion show. We were all so sorry to see her go!!

This is Carol.  Hard to believe
but Carol is 71!. Carol worked for the Lyric Opera of Chicago for many years and knows a lot about a lot of things. She was also very kind to arrange for us to use the community room in her building for us to practice.
As the very kind and generous person that she is, she had coffee and refreshments ready for us each morning when we arrived. The ladies were all so grateful, especially for the coffee.

Carol's building was also right in the heart of the city, near all the action.  It was especially fun for the out of town women to be front and center in the hub bub of Chicago.

Carol loved this experience so much, she wants to be in other Fashion Over Fifty fashion shows. I think she has a new career at 71. She could and should definitely be a runway model.

Carol was the most eager and caring person always ready to do a favor for anyone. We couldn't have done this without her.  Well, we could have, but it wouldn't have been nearly as nice.
Thanks Carol, for all you did and for being who you are.

This is Maureen Mohling. Straight from Central casting with her gorgeous silver/white hair. She even showed up looking like a model the very first day.  Even though her beuaty may have been intimidating, she was the nicest and most down to earth woman.  She too sells Real Estate in the
city of Chicago, with Blanche, and they can be my Agents any day of the week. If she is as professional in real estate as she was in modeling, you can't go wrong. She was a school teacher first, but has been in Real Estate for 35 years.  She has 3 sons and 7 grandchildren.

She also loved how all of the women were so supportive of each other. The camaraderie of the group was great. Maureen also learned that your posture and the way you carry yourself say so much about you. By standing tall, with your head up, and in the right position, it helps you feel so much more confident about yourself.

Maureen's confidence was contagious.  Just being around her, helped the other women feel more confident as well.  Thanks so much Maureen.

This beautiful woman has children in their late 30's.  You would never know it. She too has done a million things in her lifetime. Her latest career has her as the Senior Director for Community Development at the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center.

Anne was the perfect role model for every woman Over Fifty. She believes that when life gets too comfortable, it's best to push the envelope. Anne developed a new comfort in her own skin after being in the show.

Anne was a great participant and always so encouraging to the other women.  Thanks so much Anne for your contribution.

Though just over five feet, this woman, Wilma, is full of more life than many people you will meet in your lifetime.  At 77, she has no intention of slowing down either.  In fact, she had one of the hardest times making it to the practices because of her busy schedule.

Whether playing cards, Mah Jong, or traveling, Wilma is always on the go. With 4 children and 8 grandchildren, she is also very involved with her family. As the matriarch of the family, she is a great role model for all the females in how to live your life to the fullest, no matter what age.

We don't think there is one shy bone in Wilma's body. She owned the runway and had the best time while doing it. She certainly knows how to have fun, and after all, isn't that what life should be about?
Thanks so much Wilma.

So, these are the first eight ladies out of sixteen, Cindi left early, so there were fifteen in the show.
Two more ladies came the following day all the way from North Carolina.  Stay tuned, and you will meet the next eight models, also dynamic and beautiful women who made this fashion show as amazing as it was.  Thanks again ladies.

Fashion Over Fifty's Fashion Show at Bloomingdales Dec. 6, 2014

                   How Fashion Over Fifty Came to do a Fashion Show at Bloomingdale's in Chicago!!         

                                                                          PART ONE

As we get older, it's common knowledge how important it is to keep your mind active. In fact, many people believe that once you start to feel too comfortable, it's important to push yourself into something new. That is also my philosophy. So, as fate might have it, one day as I was cautiously walking down the flight of stairs at the Apple store so as not to trip and kill myself, I was approached by this very tall  handsome black man.   He stopped me midway down the stairs and told me how runway models walk down the stairs so as not to fall. He started demonstrating how to do it, and I knew instantly that he was the "real deal". He looked so graceful and confident.  It struck me that I must have looked pretty pathetic or else he wouldn't have stopped me. Was I getting that old that I looked like I needed help? Knowing that this meeting was no coincidence, I asked if I could buy him a cup of coffee. 

 As it turned out, this handsome man was Mark David Carter, a Runway Modeling Coach. We talked a lot. I told him about Fashion Over Fifty and how I try to promote the self-esteem of women Over Fifty. He told me about his extensive background in training models and producing fashion shows.  Instantly, I thought, how great would it be if we could somehow combine our interests. He  told me that I should come to one of his classes on a Sunday and so, the next Sunday I showed up in heels and wearing black as he instructed. Needless to say, I was the oldest one in the class!! The class was much harder than I expected.  How many years had it been that I  hadn't been walking with my shoulders back, stomach held in, and my head up? (Boy, did my stomach muscle hurt for the next few days.)  When did this happen? When did I become unconscious of how I was presenting myself to the world? This class woke me up in SO many ways!! 

 

When I left, I was on cloud Nine.   It hit me that somewhere between Forty and Sixty I had ceased to be aware of myself, and that along with that I had lost some femininity.  During class I could see how different I looked when I stood up tall and looked forward. Standing in the Model T, which is not easy, also made a difference in how I felt about myself. Merely standing with my feet in this feminine position and looking confident, made me feel confident. A surge of empowerment and creativity came over me. I couldn't wait to go back again and again, but I had so much traveling ahead of me, it wasn't to be. Nonetheless, it stirred in me the desire to help every woman Over Fifty feel what I was feeling.

As you can see, I was the oldest in the class, and the shortest. However, that didn't stop me from feeling like I was young again and that I could do anything!! The dream began that I must share this with other .....

                                WOMEN OVER FIFTY!!!

Professional Runway Coach, Mark David Carter, demonstrating how to walk ...

What A Sad Time for Carmen De Lavallade. Just Recently, Her Husband of Almost Sixty Years Passed away.

Carmen de Lavallade , 83, is an amazingly talented and award winning dancer and
choreographer. Born in  Los Angeles in 1931, she  married her husband,
Geoffrey Holder in 1955, while still in her early twenties. Carmen and Geoffrey would
have celebrated their 60th wedding Anniversary next year, however, sadly he passed
away on October 5, 2014.

Anyone born in the last thirty years could have known Geoffrey in one of many ways.  He was
not only a dancer, who danced on Broadway; an actor who played the villain in a
James Bond movie; a painter, a director of plays on Broadway, but do you remember
the 7 UP commercial where a deep voice called it the "Uncola"? Yes, that too
was Geoffrey.

Carmens' career was also illustrious. She started dancing in 1949 and in 1955 was offered a
position with the prestigious  Alvin Ailey Company where she became a lead dancer.
She danced on Broadway early in her career and and met Geoffrey while doing
a production together. Carmen went on to do other phenomenal things, especially
considering that Black ballerinas were very rare. She danced at the Metropolitan
Opera; she joined the Yale School of Drama as a choreographer and performer in
residence; and also became a professor at the Yale Repertory Theater.

Between Carmen and Geoffrey so many awards were won. Both of them were extremely
successful at what they did. They shared so many thrilling moments together; it must
have been so much fun. Their marriage was really like something out of a fairy tale.
It is hard to imagine being married to the same man for almost sixty years, and even
harder to imagine losing someone so dear after all those years.

We pray that Carmen has the strength and the courage to mourn the loss of her
husband. We also hope that she will continue to be the wonderful role model
she has always been to women in America.
She is an icon of grace, intelligence, talent, and style. She has
now lost someone so very dear, our prayers go out to Carmen and her family.