Blogger Spotlight: Advanced Style

NYC-based Ari Seth Cohen is like many style bloggers – he pounds the pavement for stylish looks, recruits unique muses to shoot, and features his latest findings on his blog. Yet one distinguished difference separates Ari’s work. Most of his subjects are well over 70-years-old.

Ari’s blog, Advanced Style, features fashionistas who’ve dedicated an entire lifetime to style. In an industry that unceasingly looks to the newest, the freshest and the barely 18, Advanced Style proves that fashion can grow hipper with age.

Focus in, as Ari drops all the details on his dazzling "silver-hair" street style.

Where did you first get the idea of taking photos of stylish elderly folks? Did you grow up with a particularly fashionable grandmother or grandfather?

I've always had an affinity for older people. I was best friends with my grandmother and looking through her old scrapbooks definitely influenced my idea of aesthetics. When I moved to New York I got in contact with 90 year old model and actress Mimi Weddell. Her vitality and amazing personal style along with so many other people I saw walking around pushed me to create Advanced Style. I wanted to show that style doesn't end at a certain age.

What attracts you to your subjects? How do you approach them?

I am attracted to personal style, creativity and spirit. I appreciate how older people have developed their style over the years. I approach people by telling them what I noticed about them and what I like about their style. Its always best to start with a compliment, it makes people feel at ease.

What are your top three fashion or style blogs? And how do you feel fashion and style bloggers are impacting the fashion industry today?

I like so many. The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, The Style Crone, and Mis Papelicos. I think that bloggers are allowing people to express themselves and inspire people to develop their personal style and creativity. Bloggers also create communities of like-minded individuals who can share information very quickly. I appreciate blogs that break down stereotypes of beauty and show things in a new light.

What has blogging done for you professionally and personally? What would you like to be doing five years down the road?

I have had many wonderful opportunities including speaking at Museums, Doing photo installations, and making a living from something that I love. Personally I have met so many incredible people and feel like I am part of a community. I would like to have an Advanced Style empire. Books, TV Shows... all about outstanding old ladies and gentleman.

How would you define your own style? What's the favorite piece you own?

I'm a mix of eccentric and classic. My favorite pieces are colorful vintage tuxedo jackets.

What are some tips or advice you might have for other up-and-coming style bloggers? What's important to keep in mind?

Have a point of view and be open to letting your idea change and develop. Networking and building a community of followers is also they key to establishing a popular blog. Also try and do something different, but make it personal. People love to see inside someone else's world.

If you had a choice between the four Golden Girls -- Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophia -- who would you choose to feature on Advanced Style? And why?

I love them all. My grandma and I used to watch GG all th time. I loved Dorothy's dresses and jackets with big shoulder pads, so probably her.

For more on Ari and his work, visit Advanced Style.