Saturday Inspiration, of the Over-50 Variety: Franca Sozzani

I guess it's cheating to choose an editor of Vogue magazine as a fashion inspiration. After all, it's her job to look fabulous every day, and she has access to every gorgeous piece of clothing in the known universe.

But there is something real about Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Italian Vogue. She does not have a pinched/pulled visage like many wealthy women of her age (61). She smiles a lot. And she chooses outfits that have a spark about them, even a playfulness, that is lovely to see in a fashion icon.

She's very visible with her super-long wavy blonde hair, striking blue eyes and signature smile. Her style shows she values comfort as well as creativity. Her magazine is very daring and cutting-edge, but Franca is more accessible in her fashion choices. She clearly knows what flatters her, and sticks to shapes that don't overwhelm her petite frame.

Franca is not without controversy for us bloggers. She famously wrote about personal style bloggers, "Are they important for Vogue? They don't offer an opinion but only talk about themselves, take their own pictures wearing absurd outfits. What's the point?" Well, I got in a bit of a huff about that. (Absurd outfits? Moi??) But in that article, she went on to say "Personally, I would like to know their opinion to understand a new point of view and not just rely on journalists who have been doing this for thirty years!"

I think her first remark sounds harsh out of context, but she was mainly referring to bloggers wanting front row seats at Fashion Week; she doesn't think that's been "earned" by most bloggers yet. OK, that sound a bit snooty. But while I may disagree with some of her sentiments, I can still adore her style. (See this article for a great deconstruction of Franca's blogger comments.)

And if you want to hear a lovely Italian accent, here is Franca's interview with Arianna Huffington, about fearlessness.

Great smile, and a warm, colorful print.

Her older sister, Carla, is a style icon too.

I think this is a terrific take on the leopard print craze - good proportions
and not too many extras to compete with the coat.

Such a gorgeous color and silhouette for her tiny frame -- and
I would welcome those earrings into my collection  : >

Visible Monday Link-Up Reminder:  Monday January 23rd is Visible Monday, a group posting for anyone who'd like to participate. The simple guidelines are here. Basically, just post something that makes you feel wonderful/visible, and link to it via my Monday post. Easy and fun.