While walking to meet a friend for lunch outside the Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week, Fordham University professor Lyn Slater had no idea her life was about to change. Abruptly, a hoard of foreign journalists surrounded her, taking her picture in haste. According to Brightside, the spectators believed she was a reputable fashion icon.
“The photographers surrounded me and began taking pictures,“ recalls Lyn. ”Two Japanese journalists began asking questions. Tourists started gathering and taking videos and photos on their phones, thinking they had come across a major figure in the fashion industry. I was confused, but it was at that moment that my friend arrived, and we started laughing at the situation. She said to me, ’Wow, you’ve unexpectedly become a style icon.’ “
That defining moment not only turned the 63-year-old teacher into a fastidiously-followed fashionista, it gave her a platform to combat ageism – which she does with pleasure. Because Slater is over the age of 60, an age many in American culture believe makes one “obsolete,” she is often told to “dress for her age.” In response to such statements, Slater replies:
“I think, if you are comfortable in what you’re wearing, no matter how old you are and you’re owning it, you’re going to look completely fine.”
She told Refinery29 in a 2016 interview that she decries age-based discrimination both in everyday life and in the fashion industry because the clothes don’t make the person. Rather, the person adds personality and character to the attire. She shares similar sentiments on her blog Accidental Icon and when giving interviews. For instance, she told Grey Magazine, “Fashion and my style help me struggle against that invisibility that comes with age.”
After unintentionally becoming a fashion icon, Slater was signed to model for Elite London, the world’s leading modeling agency. Since then, she has worked with brands such as Mango and Uniqlo. Her fierce attitude and unstoppable demeanor are what makes her an inspiring activist. Of course, having great style and a bold presence helps, as well. And, it’s safe to say many have been empowered by her example.
“Girls often come up to me on the street and ask what I’m wearing,” Slater wrote. “Young people often write the following to me: I was so scared of getting old, but thanks to you I’m no longer worried. I realized we can keep a hold of our rebellious spirit and look good at any age. Thank you!”
Follow Slater on Instagram, where she’s already gained over 132K followers, and on her blog.
63-Year-Old Lyn Slater accidentally became a fashion icon
She was walking to meet her friend during New York Fashion Week when journalists surrounded her
They began taking her picture. Soon after, a crowd formed.
She and her friend laughed about the situation…
…but the incident ended up changing her life.
Lyn Slater now models for Elite London, and has worked with brands such as Mango and Uniqlo.
Slater is still a Professor at Fordham University
But is now known for her excellent taste in fashion.
Slater uses her platform, and her blog Accidental Icon,
to speak out against ageism in the fashion industry and the world
“Fashion and my style help me struggle against that invisibility that comes with age,” she told Brightside.
“…We use language to control people’s behavior… This phrase is a way of putting older women in their place” she told Refinery29 in 2016.
When people tell her to “dress for her age,” she says…
“I’m certain that if you feel comfortable in your own clothes, it’s completely irrelevant how old you are”
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