As a proud 40 plus year old, I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to view the F*** the Invisible Runway at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival last week. This ground-breaking Premium Runway challenged the ageist notion that women become invisible as they age, and instead celebrated the beauty and vitality of mature women. It was a powerful statement that reaffirmed the belief that life’s opportunities do not diminish as we get older, but rather continue to flourish.
The invisible designers that graced the runway at the fashion show were nothing short of extraordinary. Banded Together, Viceta Wang, Gail Sorronda, Perple, Julie Goodwin, Verner, and Kara Baker proved that age is just a number as they sat front row, their faces beaming with pride.
These 40 plus year old designers are a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their timeless talent and innovation. And let’s not forget about the models – in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, they exuded confidence and grace as they strutted down the catwalk in stunning pieces for Autumn. It’s clear that age is no barrier to success in the fashion industry, and these designers and models are living proof of that. Let their incredible work also inspire you to break boundaries and defy expectations, no matter what your age may be.
One of the highlights of the evening was getting the chance to speak with Chadwick’s model and former Australian Ballet Company dancer Carol Green, who exuded confidence and grace as she walked the runway.
Carol’s words resonated with me as she proclaimed, “Always older people were hidden now we are Visible!!” The now 67-year-old went on to say, “The clothing industry has now discovered diversity sells. Never before have we seen this transition and its liberating. I’m modelling at 67 and I’m loving it! The age positive era is here to stay, thank you to Abby Bennett for having me walk.”
In today’s competitive fashion marketplace, standing out from the crowd is crucial for success. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, especially when it comes to older women, brands can differentiate themselves and create a strong emotional connection with consumers. This can lead to increased brand loyalty, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, higher sales and profits
Also visit https://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1058&context=honors_finance
As we move forward in this Age Positive era, let us continue to challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and celebrate the beauty of all ages. The F*** the Invisible Runway was just the beginning, and I am excited to see what the future holds for women of all ages in the fashion industry. Visibility is key, and we are here to stay!
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Lucas Dawson
