4 silver-haired fashion icons who prove age is nothing but a number

Personal style and confidence are attractive features regardless of age, which is why we were more than excited when we found out that Iris Apfel — the world’s oldest it-girl — was flying all the way to Hong Kong to inspire us with her little secrets on living well through fearless personal style.

Although Apfel is undoubtably one-of-a-kind, she isn’t the only elderly icon of the fashion world. Inspired by Apfel’s visit, we thought we’d introduce you to a few of our favourite silver-haired fashionistas who are proving that style has nothing to do with age, but instead, as Apfel puts it: “It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.”

Lyn Slater, 63 (@accidentalicon)

The 63-year-old Lyn Slater is a university professor who accidentally shot to fame overnight, after being mistaken as a fashion insider during New York Fashion Week. The incident inspired her to create her blog, Accidental Icon, documenting her interest in fashion as she continues to prove that people can dress fabulously despite their age. She was recently signed by model agency Elite London and has posed for brands including Commes des Garcons and Valentino.

Maye Musk, 68 (@mayemusk)

The 68-year-old Maye Musk is a South African-Canadian model, registered dietician nutritionist, and also the mother of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors. However, instead of being outshone by her son’s fame, Musk continues to prove that she is a star in her own right, gracing magazine covers including Time, New York Magazine (named ‘Cover of the Year’ by the American Society of Magazine Editors), and Elle Canada, and even co-starring in one of Beyoncé’s music videos for the song “Haunted”.

Linda Rodin, 69 (@lindaandwinks)

Known for her casually braided hair, vibrant lipsticks, audaciously oversized shades and obsession with denim, Linda Rodin has had a long and wildly successful career in the fashion industry as owner of legendary Soho boutique Linda Hoppa, buyer for New York store Henri Bendel, fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar, freelance stylist (with an impressive portfolio ranging from editorials for Italian Vogue to campaigns for Victoria’s Secret), and owner of her eponymous beauty brand, Rodin, which she founded at the age of 59. Fun fact? Her first product, the now-iconic Olio Lusso face oil, was created in a coffee cup at home after her fruitless search for an existing product that showed results.

Iris Apfel, 95 (@iris.apfel)

The 95-year-old interior designer, businesswoman and style icon is the world’s oldest it-girl. Apfel shot to widespread fame in 2005, after an exhibition dedicated to her fashion collection opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York. Since then, she’s been spotted on countless ‘best dressed’ lists and fashion campaigns. She gained even more attention as the subject of Alfred Maysles’ 2015 documentary, Iris, and she was also the inspiration for a series of window decorations at legendary department store Bergdorf Goodman. The Landmark in Hong Kong is currently hosting an exhibition of Apfel’s personal fashion collections, on display through 21 May.