Embracing the Ageless Fashion: A Collaborative Journey Between Generations
In the autumn of 2019, an email arrived from a group of dedicated students in the Fashion Design and Society Master’s Program at Parsons School of Design. Their assignment was to create a collection of apparel tailored for senior citizens, as part of their curriculum focusing on inclusivity and diversity. The students sought inspiration from individuals in this age group to ensure authenticity and a meaningful outcome. They requested an interview, proposing that I might become their collaborator and muse.
The students had visited various senior centers to gather insights into the sartorial preferences of older adults. Their findings, primarily focused on comfort and fit, did not ignite their creativity. Although essential aspects, the students yearned for an aesthetic of aging that could transcend merely functional clothing and evoke a sense of high fashion. As we conversed, I discovered their fascination with the intangible aspects of aging – the memories held, experiences shared, and the desire to bring them to life in fashion.
The collaborative process commenced with me contributing garments from my wardrobe that resonated with me: A pastel green and purple sleeveless A-line dress I wore underneath my academic gown upon receiving my Ph.D.; a Yohji Yamamoto suit I donned on the first day of class as a professor of social work and law; an oversized burnt-orange coat providing warmth and comfort; and a paisley Indian print dress dating back to the 1970s that I wore to the beach. Its colors were faded, and the thin fabric was almost translucent – teetering on the edge of disintegration.
We engaged in numerous conversations about the significance of clothing throughout my life’s various stages. We discussed how specific garments could evoke memories and experiences from different periods, allowing me to relive moments and emotions. My young friends expressed their curiosity about my journey towards self-empowerment and the adoption of style as a unique storytelling device for every individual.
During our explorations, I shared an experience involving my partner Calvin and me strolling around Harlem. We stumbled upon the last remaining Kangol hat store in the world. Though I don’t typically wear hats, I recalled a Kangol beret that I used to wear backwards with overalls and a velvet shirt adorned with Our Lady of Guadalupe when I was first embracing my creative self in the early 1990s. Entering that store transported me back to that time, reminding me of the galleries I visited, classes I attended, and books I read.
I explained to the students that it wasn’t about wearing exactly what I wore then but clothing that evoked feelings and memories of experiences I had lived. An individualized approach to style, rooted in personal identities, could convey a sense of time and place. Each piece of clothing or accessory contained history – serving as devices that one can utilize to tell their stories and be as unique as the people wearing them.
We spent much time discussing what it means to grow older, with weekly fittings for the garments they designed and constructive critiques from their tutors. This dialogue allowed us to question and challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions about aging, recognizing that older adults can still embody sexuality and rebellion. This realization led to the production of intricately crafted, modern textiles, resulting in clothes that conveyed a sense of time and place without being retro.
Each outfit created told the story of a life, revealing secrets about aging gracefully and embracing the journey. The students gained valuable insights into the evolving nature of identity as an opportunity, deconstructing standardized notions of the “ideal” body and viewing aging as an additive experience rather than a subtractive one.
The garments designed for me made me feel understood, valued, and cherished. Working collaboratively with these young innovators and solving this problem together reminded me of the importance of intergenerational collaboration, deep listening, and mutual respect. Imagine, if we worked together creatively on various issues in our current society, how it might change the way we view aging or youth?
