What a great week at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for Spring/Summer 2019, where more strides were made in breaking down the barriers of Ageism. So much progress has been made in adding Diversity to the runway. Christian Siriano had more than a few Plus Size models in his show this past Friday. Plus size actress and model, Candace Huffine, made a dramatic appearance that created a huge uproar within the large Gotham Hall where the show was held.
This summer I attended classes at F.I.T., the Fashion Institute of Technology. One class was in Event Planning and it qualified me to work behind the scenes at NYFW helping models dress and change. Today I volunteered to help for the designer Tome. How exciting it was to see TWO Over Fifty models. Jo-Ani Johnson and Jacky O’Shaughnessy as models in the show. I couldn’t help but go up to Jo-Ani and tell her how much I loved her and her look, her hair, her personality and her attitude about aging. We had a great conversation. She is a wonderful inspiration for all women Over Fifty.
Jo-Ani also told me something that jolted me back to reality. When she went to check in the morning for the show, the security guard would not let her in. The guard let other models in, but made Jo-Ani wait outside. Because she did not look like the “young” models, he did not believe she was in the show. She was upset and asked me to write about it. So, I am.
Although we are making great progress in adding Diversity to the runway, Ageism is still out there. It is beyond me why Jo-Ani’s name wasn’t on a list, or maybe it was, but the guard still didn’t believe her. I am not sure. However, hopefully the guard learned a lesson and this lesson will be taught throughout fashion weeks around the world.
Despite this incident, Jo-Ani came out the victor for all of us. She and Jacky strutted the catwalk just like all the other models in the show and in doing so, made a great statement. Look out world, here we come. Despite this incident, Jo-Ani should be proud that her steps on the catwalk are just the beginning of more models Over Fifty to do the same.
Jo-Ani in the Tome show on Sept. 11 at NYFW.
Thanks Jo-Ani
Love,
Thank you Wendy for this interesting article. We still have a long hard way to do,, but something is going on better about ageism. A big hug to Jo-Ani and Jacky, they are all of us. ❤️
Hi Rita,
It’s sad to know what happened but slowly people are starting to get it. Minorities, including women and black women, aren’t going anywhere. Jo Ani was such a lady about it too.
I was a model as a teenager, and now 50 years later, your site has inspired me to consider trying it again. The support and visual images of over 50’s should be the fire to inspire all women to never give up their dreams. All things are possible at all times of our life, and believing in possibilities keeps us young, vital, and alive. I’m ready to strut !
HI Donna,
Thanks so much for your kind support and gracious complement. I am so delighted when I know that the work I do
inspires other women to be their best. Please feel free to send me photos of anything fun you put together
that the other ladies may like. Best, Wendy
That is unforgivable but not surprising unfortunately. We have a long way to go and the uneducated uninformed will always be there .
Bravo Jo-Ani for not letting it get to you. Keep up the good attitude and work. We need women like you. Thank you.
She is beautiful and love her hair!
I am 72 and still want to look ul to date on fashiom. Even though I walk with a cane,that cane ia also stylish.
HI Shari,
Good for you. I am sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I am taking 3 courses on line and I have been swamped.
I have been learning about laydowns. I will try and do one for you.
Hello Wendy,
This is my 1st time visiting and I just have to say thank you to that model, your story and many other gorgeous ladies 50 and over who are inspiring me to re-new, love myself at 50!!
Hi Cynthia,
I apologize for not seeing your note earlier. The way notes are posted on the back end of this website is confusing.
Thanks so much for reaching out. I would love to know how you are reinventing yourself. I want to do a story about what women are
doing these days to do so.
Don’t hesitate to reach me at Wendy.fashionoverfifty.com Warmest regards, Wendy