Fashion & Beauty: Words from the Wise and Influential

In an industry obsessed with youth and beauty where the norm is for women to literally torture themselves in an attempt to reach an unattainable ideal, taking an explicit stand against Botox, plastic surgery and other radical anti-aging "treatments" is surprising to say the least. When such a stand is taken by a powerful tenor of the industry, I think we should all pay close attention. In this vein, I would like to share with you a few quotes by three of the fashion industry's most respected and influential members on the subject of aging.

Diane von Furstenberg, Designer and CFDA President

"(...) I know that a lot of people look at me and think, "Why doesn't she do something to that face?" But I made a decision. I do yoga and I hike, but I won't do Botox. I know if I start doing things I will get insecure. You wear your own face. It is a little bit of your history, a little bit of who you are."

Carine Roitfeld, Editor - Paris Vogue

"Botox? No. I don't like Botox. It makes a very strange forehead.' (...) The only thing I am doing is massage to de-stress the face. You know, with fingers? No, I don't do Botox, or surgery. I am anxious people would look at me: "The lips are not like before - what did she do?""

Franca Sozzani, Editor - Vogue Italia

"What is your one piece of fashion or beauty advice? 'Don't do too much to your face, either by piling on too much make-up or undergoing cosmetic surgery.'"

When I grow up, I want to be just like them.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Dahlia]

Yes, say yes to aging gracefully without the cosmetic "enhancements". However, you might want to blame magazine and advertising agencies for encouraging the rage of trying to look young, thus causing low self-esteem in many women of any age group. But unfortunately, "real beauty" doesn't sell magazines like fairy tale beauty.

[Helene]

Thank you for the kind words PLB. Also, you raise an excellent point. I agree it's important to be respectful of those who do go down the cosmetic 'enhancement' route. I must admit though that it's awfully nice when someone as influential and respected as DVF or Carine Roitfeld offer women an alternative viewpoint.

Sincerely,

Helene

[plb]

I totally agree and it goes the same for men as well. The amount of gentlemen even in my own circle of friends that have botoxed themselves into unrecognizable circus acts is amazing. The peals,the lazers, tucks and all sorts of enhancements.......do not always enhance. I find these treatments to look best in moderation rather than a complete overhaul. Being originally from Los Angeles I have seen it all. I decided to follow my mother's rule of thumb and age gracefully.

Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion but just remember if you did not start maintenance around your 30th birthday you are going to have a lot of explaining to do.

As usual another great article form the L chronicles that caught my interest.

[Make Do Style]

I'm definitly being like them I abhor plastic surgery,there's nothing wrong with having a burst blood vessel removed or lovely facials but if you go down the alteration route you are spoiling your person. It doesn't amek you look younger just preserved but who cares abou that if you can't frwon, smile or be yourself.
There's a picture of Madonna on the front of Vanity Fair in March 1998 - ten years ago and she looks herself and she looked herself until a year or so ago when she started this supposed subtle changes - and now look at her a well preserved freak!

I despair of the how women are buying in to the 'solution' - what are we thinking of the aging prcessed is not reversed by such measures, it doesn't make you more of a person. I could go on for ever! You've got to love DVF for that remark.