Advanced Style slots neatly between Bill Cunningham New York (VL-9/11) and Albert Maysles's Iris (VL-9/15), since the documentary celebrates fashionable New York women who are over 60. If photographer Cunningham casts his net widely, blogger Ari Seth Cohen gravitates towards more eccentric style mavens, like Iris Apfel, star of Iris (who also appears here). Cohen says he launched his blog shortly after moving to New York: everywhere he went, he noticed older women treating the city's sidewalks like their own personal runway, and he took inspiration from their confidence and creativity. Director Lina Plioplyte profiles seven women, ranging in age from 62 to 95. Not all are wealthy, but all spend a substantial portion of their income on clothing. They see themselves as artists, although 93-year-old Ilona Royce Smithkin actually teaches on the subject (her portrait of Ayn Rand adorns many of Rand's books). Tziporah Salamon, 62, works in a vintage shop, so she has access to many unique items, although it can take her years to construct the perfect outfit. Debra Rapaport, 67, saves money by making her own bracelets, which add to her sculptural look. Thanks to Cohen's blog and ensuing book, the ladies here become stars, and Plioplyte captures their photo shoots and talk show appearances. The tone throughout is buoyant, so much so that a death at the end barely registers, but then Cohen's coterie does take a Holly Golightly approach to life: have fun, look great, and don't stop dancing until the music stops. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Advanced Style
(2014) 72 min. DVD: $19.99. Bond/360 (avail. from www.amazon.com). Volume 31, Issue 2
Advanced Style
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