THE CITIZEN INDEX

Thursday, June 7, 2012

5 Quick Questions: Ari Seth Cohen

Advanced Style: Ari Seth Cohen captures the style of the sterling set.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to snag an interview with Advanced Style's Ari Seth Cohen in the midst of his whirlwind book signing tour. The following is an excerpt from our correspondence. -Bella Q

The Citizen: You've quietly changed the fashion landscape with your blog and now your book, Advanced Style. Tell me, did you imagine that you were going to cause a sensation by photographing stylish people "of a certain age"?

Ari Seth Cohen: I've always revered the older people in my life. I never thought that photographing older people would be so extraordinary; it should be normal to give respect, attention and visibility to people with great wisdom, creativity and experience.

All age appeal: Cohen talks with icon Iris Apfel and rookie Tavi about style.

Colorful and Timeless: the subjects of Advanced Style. (images from AdvancedStyle.blogspot.com)

The Citizen: Has your street style blog affected your own personal style? Have your subjects inspired any change in your way of dress?

Ari Seth Cohen: I've always been a bit eccentric, but for a while I toned down my style for professional reasons. The Ladies and Gentlemen I photograph have given me my sense of freedom back.

 The Citizen:  Tell me three words you would use to describe the folks on your blog.

Ari Seth Cohen: Vital. Spirited. Wise.

Style's Own: A frequent feature on Advanced Style is a personal favorite, The Style Crone.
Vital. Spirited. Wise.
The Citizen: You are now working on a documentary, and currently trying to get funding via a Kickstarter campaign. Why should a person consider donating to these cause?

Ari Seth Cohen: Lina (Plioplyte) and I are trying to bring visibility to a group of people often forgotten and made to feel invisible. The people featured in our film have the power to transform our ideas about aging and inspire us to live life to the fullest.

Tickled Pink: Cohen's proud moment at an Advanced Style book signing.
The Citizen: What's next on the agenda for you? What would you like to see happen for you and Advanced Style?

Ari Seth Cohen: I'd like to continue the blog and am working on a new book idea. Lina and I also have to finish the Advanced Style Film that we've been working on for the past two years. I just want to continue to put out inspiring images of age and growing old.


If it's not already on your blogroll, be sure to add advancedstyle.blogspot.com to your reader! 

You can order the Advanced Style book on amazon.com by clicking HERE

All photo credits: Advanced Style, Ari Seth Cohen. Used with permission.


30 comments:

Adrienne Shubin said...

Wow! This is fantastic. I love Advanced Style. What a great interview, Bella.

Anonymous said...

Cool interview! I've ordered the book and pledged to the Kickstarter campaign. It's a great cause.

And I love the large version of this photo of Judith.

MELI. said...

this is fabulous!
keep these interview series going, thanks for sharing beautiful! xom <3

Heather Fonseca said...

Just saw his book at Barnes & noble! Flipped through it and it's great. Want to spend some more time looking this weekend as I was with the kids and sort of distracted. I find him, and his models, so inspirational. I already feel a bit left out at forty, but imagine how left out I'll feel at 70! These women are reminding us not to let society tell us what we should be, and to live life to the fullest every day.

Anonymous said...

Nice review! I love what he says about respecting our elders. He's a great example of that. I wish we could all be that way.

Melanie said...

Fantastic interview, Bella!! The women Ari features in his blog/book have helped give me the gumption to dress the way I please today and into the future. His subjects are life-alteringly inspirational and you are the perfect person to help spread the word, as you already live the word. Yay, Judith. Looking fabulous!!

Unknown said...

WOW, big time, Bella!
cudos,the interview was GREAT!
xXx
Reva

mispapelicos said...

Brilliant both of you, dear Bella.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sara Kristiina said...

Interesting interview, I like his blog very much! And if that book shall arrive to Finland also, definitely will look for it :)

doradadama said...

Wonderful interview amor!
I love his blog and stylish abuelitas.
Besos

Please may I? said...

Wow, get you doing flash interviews. Loving it.

X x

Hang T. Tran said...

This is great! Thank you! I am gonna add him to my blogroll too. So inspiring, both of you!

Have a nice weeekend Bella!
Love,
Hang

Style Mentor™ said...

Fantastic interview Bella! I love this so much, it is bringing freedom to age in style to all women!

Krista said...

Wise words for a great fellow blogger! I admire him so much and the women he has shared inspire me daily!

The Foolish Aesthete said...

Wow, so amazing you got to interview him! I'm a fan of his blog as well as those extraordinary ladies who people it (like that Style Crone image you posted is incredible.) Thanks for sharing the interview. Well done! --- J xx

alexis said...

Bella-- what a great interview--- nice get! Ari really does inspire with his blog= as do the subjects!

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Lucky you for having that opportunity. Seth's a great guy and an amazing blogger. I like how he's raised the profile of such vital, spirited, and wise people. You're doing that too! Thanks.

Forest City Fashionista said...

How great that you were able to interview Ari - I've meet him and he's such a sweetheart! I purchased a copy of the book after having followed his blog for a couple of years. So happy to see the photo of the ever-inspiring Judith in her fab hat and black and white jacket

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

Ari's blog was an early discovery for me and absolutely had an impact on where I am today. You are awesome as well and I'm so happy to be a part of this community. Love the beautiful picture of Judith.

The Style Crone said...

Bella, the interview of Ari was special coming from you. I was honored to be included in your post about someone who has inspired so many to accept and love ourselves generously as we age. Thank you for all that you do, as you influence and encourage everyone that you touch.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this, Bella. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Luck you, getting to interview Ari Cohen!

Donelle said...

This post is all kinds of wonderful for many reasons. These women are beautiful. I can't wait to get his book. The 2nd to the last image is my favorite. Love the black and white and her look of confidence. Enjoyable interview!

Lauren Brewer said...

Wonderful interview. I'm a long time follower of Advanced Style and very happy that it's been so successful.

FP said...

Awesome interview!

www.fashionpastiche.com

Unknown said...

Very nice!!

New follower, hope you can check out my new posts and follow back :)
http://nellecreations.blogspot.com

Highland Fashionista said...

Magnificent post, and how lucky you are to have pinned him down for an interview. Your blog looks amazing. Say ello to Seattle for me.

Anna K. said...

briallint, you're so lucky to meet her!

LV said...

What a great interview! I love reading advanced style.

Unknown said...

How lovely!
Honesty and advanced Beauty! a MUST Blog and a great Blogger...

here is another cool interview with him:

http://betterymagazine.com/people/interviewing-ari-seth-cohen/

Mathilda