How do we embrace the beauty of aging? Well, recently Vogue featured 106-year-old Apo Whang-Od on the cover of their April 2023 Phillipines edition. Wow! And, it’s about time.
Finally a high profile fashion magazine starting to showcase women who aren’t 6 feet tall, a size 2, and under the age of 20.
There’s such wisdom and beauty etched in the lines of her face. We as a society, and even more so as women, need to embrace this, celebrate this, push for this, and live it.
Because if we’re fortunate enough, we’re all going to grow old. It’s inevitable. There’s no avoiding it.
So, my wish is for all of us to see the beauty of aging. It means a life well-lived, full of rich experiences. We get to look back over the decades and see all the challenges we’ve overcome, the triumphs we’ve celebrated, and all the ordinary, yet extraordinary moments we’ve shared.
As we age, we may not see, hear, and think as clearly, or move as quickly. But, we’ll have stories to tell, memories to share, and wisdom to pass on.
I recently heard 76-year-old fashion designer, Diane von Fürstenberg, creator of the wrap dress, say we should replace the word “aging” with “living”. Instead of asking how old are you? We should ask how long have you lived?
Locally, many of us have had the honour and pleasure of being part of Anna Epp’s 50 Over 50 Project. Anna wanted to celebrate the year she turned 50 by photographing 50 women over the age of 50. Despite the pandemic happening that same year, the project was a great success. And, it’s still going strong 3 years later. A testament to women embracing the beauty of aging.
After the Vogue cover came out featuring Apo Whang-Od, Anna expressed, “Maybe this will be the year I photograph a Centenarian!” I think that would be amazing.
So, if you know of anyone approaching 100 years or more, let me know in the comments below, or send me an email at colleen@cokanna.ca. Let’s see if we can make this happen.
P.S. Fun Fact: Anna Epp’s favourite dress is the wrap dress.
Until next time,
~ Colleen
I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support local breast cancer organizations who treat the whole person and not just the disease.
