Style Does Not Retire

Style Does Not Retire

Client: The Age of No Retirement

Art Director: Caryn Franklin 

Director Micci Billinger

Brilliant Productions

This is a thrilling and on-going project, working with founders Georgina Lee and Jonathan Collie whose vision to challenge ages stereotypes for all ages has seen them create a large counter-cultural movement: The Age of No Retirement.  

Event: Age Does Not Matter Festival

This was a four day event the OXO Bargehouse on London’s South Bank. The 4 days consisted of simultaneous events, talks, interactive installations, inspiring photography, powerful stories, co-design labs and an infectious enthusiasm.

Day 4 consisted of a series of talks hosted by me with a variety of guests to discuss how age is viewed by corporates and culture. Remedial pathways were discussed to stimulate change. We kicked off the day with a short film I art directed. 

TAONR Final Film from caryn franklin on Vimeo.

This short film was made to inspire viewers of all ages. As a Disruptive Fashion Lover and Professor of Diversity at Kingston University and because I know fashion and great design is a powerful tool to showcase the beauty and exquisiteness of being human, I chose to work with young and emerging designers to challenge existing stereotypes

Our models Anna Marie and Anthony are perfect mannequins for the avant-garde looks we feature here. Confirmation then, that contemporary design can showcase the person within as vital, aspirational, exciting and modern.

There is no airbrushing of these faces and we enjoyed the authenticity of the day so much that we made the decision to linger lovingly (and for a long time) looking into Anna’s eyes so you can truly see the artistry of natural ageing upon her face.

Style does not retire and love of life – if we are lucky does not retire! Great design is there to help us celebrate all that we are and all that we can be.

Thanks to everyone who all participated in this excellent project.

Videography & Editing Micci Bamford for Fashioned Films

Stylist Claire Ginzler

Makeup Phyllis Cohen using Kryolan

Hair John Vial for Salon Sloane using Revlon Professional

Hair Assistant Gio Di Gesu

Featuring: Anna-Marie Von Ruden at Grey Model Agency Anthony Fitzgerald at Grey Model Agency

Designers: Charlotte Knowles, Sadie Clayton, Inga, Moon Lee, Yang Du, L72, Martina Spetlova, James Pilcher, Stevan Saville, Bartosz Glinka, Orange Culture, Mai-Gidah, Molly Carlton, Stephanie Akpakly, Geraint Williams

With thanks to: Loft Studios, Movetech UK, Freesfx.co.uk, VMI TV Ltd, Filmplus, Mateda Franklin, Jess David