Beauty in Older Women - a photographic project by Edo Zollo

"I feel very blessed"
(image by Edo Zollo)

[Ed. Since posting this article it has been announced that the exhibition, Beauty in Older Women, will open in London between 7th and 13th July 2014 - more information below].

I came across this photographic project, which celebrates age, on Twitter and I contacted the photographer, Edo Zollo, who kindly agreed to meet for a coffee a few days ago.

I'm becoming increasingly interested in age - I'm now late fifties, so it's inevitable, I suppose. A constant theme of my blog is that the fashion industry ignores men over 40, despite the size and affluence of the demographic. Such problems are felt more acutely by older women. Indeed, women of any age are treated shabbily by some parts of the fashion  industry, but that's another story. It's always good, therefore, to see projects that celebrate age. Age is something to be celebrated - life's experiences come together to bless us with humour, self-confidence, wisdom and understanding, attributes yet to be fully developed by those who are younger.

Edo Zollo is an Italian photographer who's been living in London for 13 years. He describes his approach as follows -

As my work has developed, I have become more interested in using photography to examine and challenge people’s perceptions of life, people and events around us. A photograph can be a powerful way to break down prejudices and change points of view.

This approach lies behind his project to photograph ten older women. You can find out more about it on the website here.

The images will be exhibited as follows -

Exhibition Details

Venue: Craft Central, 33-35 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M  4DS (see the map)

Dates: July 7^th-13^th, 2014

Opening Times: Mon Jul 7^th5pm-8pm, Tues Jul 8^th 10 am – 5pm, Weds July 9^th-Sun July 13^th 10 am – 7pm

Artist: Edo Zollo , represented by Stephen Bartels Gallery - London

Follow on Twitter @BeautyOlder.

Here is a statement by the sitter, Joyce, which says everything that needs to be said about the project.

Joyce, 74 yrs old

London

I’m taking part in this project to encourage older women that age is to be embraced rather than feared, wrinkles and all.

We women do have a place, importance and beauty and to have the courage to voice our feelings. We were part of the pioneers to give women their rights, let’s keep moving forward not using age as an excuse not to do exciting things. 

I attempt a smart casual look. My hair is very important in the way I see myself, have not yet given into the grey! I have in my wardrobe a very large collection of scarves, my favourite accessory.

Flat shoes and boots have replaced the killer heels in the last five years. I can still wear skinny jeans and I do try to exercise regularly and watch my weight.

The greatest nourishment is family and wonderful friends.

I feel very blessed.