In case you'd missed the news lately, fashion has slowly begun to get off the ageism train. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen seem to be helping speed along that process. According to ELLE, the Olsen Twins' style muse is Beatrix Ost, a German born multi-talent who happens to be in her seventies. The choice should come as no surprise to those who have kept up-to-date with current trends in fashion advertising and media. The presence of women over the age of 60 in the fashion industry has sky rocketed, and while some may call it a fad, the trend does seem to have staying power. Just ask the Olsen twins.
So who is Beatrix Ost? Well, for starters, it's hard to narrow down just one element of the style icon's talents. She's a writer, actor, designer, and producer just to name a few of her credits. We're, however, most focused on her insane sense of style. Just a mere glimpse through photos of the talented woman will give you so much style envy that you'll be out searching for your very own Ost inspired ensemble.
There is a reason that she is the Olsens' style muse, and it's clearly a result of her chic style and perennial love of fashion. In an interview with The Covetuer, Ost says that she had her first fashion memory early on in her life. She explains, "Perhaps I was 5, when I took my father’s ties and used them as a belt,” she reminisced. “And the aunt coming to visit in high heel wedges and broad shoulder jacket with a fox fur casually thrown over.” Ost clearly took this memory and ran with it because she's basically an icon now.
The Olsens spoke highly of the multi-talented lady in their interview with ELLE when asked who their muse is. The pair said, "Beatrix is such a fascinating, strong woman, with such effortless style. She embodies the spirit of the brand."
I, for one, hope to see many more gracefully aged ladies inspiring younger generations. After all, these woman have clearly perfectly their styles. So who are some other over 60 style icons?
1. Iris Apfel
It would practically be a crime not to include Apfel in this list.
2. Jessica Lange
If you're looking for a lady who has aged gracefully and stylishly, you've found her in Lange.
3. Joan Didion
Her Celine ad. Need I say more?
4. Anna Wintour
I mean, come on, she's the editor of Vogue.
5. Jane Birkin
There is a reason those bags are so expensive. I'd pay to be half as stylish as Birkin.
