Chic at 60ish!

Opening my mailbox last week, I was surprised to see that Vogue did something it has never done, something no one thought they ever would do—it put two 76-year-old women on its cover! With a photo taken by 76-year-old Annie Leibovitz.

CHIC AT 70ISH! 76-year-olds, Meryl Streep & Anna Wintour in this month’s Vogue, photos by reknowned 76-year-old photographer Annie Lebovitz

Sure, they aren’t just any 76-year-olds. They are Meryl Streep & Vogue global content editor Anna Wintour, discussing the hype surrounding The Devil Wears Prada 2. But still, 76??” (This is also the first time Anna has ever been on the cover!)

BREAKING THE AGE BARRIER: Highlighted in The New York Times, models over 50 on top designer runways around the world; 60ish celebs looking more beautiful than ever in People magazine

Groundbreaking! Breaking the age barrier, did Vogue make itself more relevant?? Maybe. Or so it’s beginning to feel in fashion.

AGE BECOMES HER: Models over 50 walked the runway at Chanel in Paris; 50+ Christy Turlington—gorgeous as ever—with Michael Kors, on his runway during New York Fashion week

During the most recent round of fashion shows—which ended last month—many designers took a giant leap when it comes to age inclusivity. Tom Ford, Gucci, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera & more included “older” models. Yes, in fashion, that means “over 30″—but many were closer to 50!

BETTER THAN EVER: 63-year-old Demi Moore is the new face of Lancome beauty products

Why, all of a sudden? Obviously, a great deal has to do with dollars. In an extremely uncertain economy, many older women have more disposable income—more power to purchase. It’s that simple.

LAUGH AT YOR LAUGH LINES: Estee Lauder model Paulina Porizkova in the 80’s & today

Beyond the runway, makeup ads also now often choose to emphasize—rather than erase—laugh lines. 63-year-old Demi Moore is the new face of Lancome. Estee Lauder model Paulina Porizkova, who is 61, has been all over Instagram revealing lines & wrinkles in makeup-less photos. This is a huge shift in an industry known for revering youth. I admit, as one who examines every extra inch on my waist & every millimeter on my neck, this kind of feels good. Agree?

STILL SEXY IN THE CITY: 61-year-old Sarah Jessica Parker in London—chic then, chic now!

Known as the “silver dollar” or “grey market,” how nice to see fashion recognize not only the worth—but the beauty—of women who are no longer 30. We are responsible for more than 45% of all consumer spending. No surprise there! But this is about more than spending. It’s all about looking—and feeling—beautiful at every & any age—knowing you may be indeed a bit older, but also smarter, stronger, more streetwise, more stunning.

GLOWING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: With my children, Lauren & Jonathan, at the Cis Golder Grant event at Boyds, named in memory of my beloved mother—over $50,000 was raised to provide support for women with financial need as they battle breast cancer; the fabulous almost-95-year-old Jane Zolot, who was my mom’s best friend, talking about Cis & the Grant—she is the epitome of “beautiful inside & out!”

As it becomes cool—becomes chic—to be 60ish & 70ish, we know in our hearts that true beauty comes from within. When you are happy & content—not only looking good, but doing good as well—it shows on your face. Nothing makes you glow like the knowledge that you are helping to make the world a better place, like the warmth of being surrounded by cherished family & friends. Don’t fret over every line & wrinkle, over every lump & bump—envision Meryl & Anna—eat dessert, have a glass of wine, enjoy every fierce, beautiful moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. I’ve just read Penn’s Dr. Zeke Emanuel’s new book, “Eat Your Ice Cream,” filled with lots of wise advice—including that the stress suffered from eating ice cream, having another glass of wine or trying to get in your steps—is often more hazardous than indulging yourself. In moderation, of course. A must-read! At amazon.com.