Journalists Accidentally Confuse A 63-Year-Old Teacher With A Fashion Icon And This Changes Her Life

Published 7 years ago

When Fordham University professor Lyn Slater went to meet a friend for lunch outside the Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week, she had no idea her life was about to be forever changed. Foreign journalists suddenly surrounded her, mistaking her for a fashion icon and attracting a crowd of spectators. It was a defining moment that turned Lyn into an Accidental Icon – and made her blog of the same name shoot to the skies.

At 63 years old, Lyn Slater is not exactly a typical haute couture model, but that’s part of her appeal. She decries age-based discrimination in both the fashion industry and in everyday life, including the tired notion of ‘dressing for one’s age.’ “I think, if you are comfortable in what you’re wearing, no matter how old you are and you’re owning it, you’re going to look completely fine,” Slater told Refinery29 in a 2016 interview. She is currently signed to Elite London, the world’s leading modeling company, and has worked with brands such as Mango and Uniqlo.

Lyn is admirable not only for her unstoppable attitude, but for her edgy and decidedly hip style, and her Instagram page now boasts over 132 thousand followers. A happy accident, indeed!

More info: accidental icon | instagram (h/t: dytboredpandabrightside)

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Meet 63-year-old Lyn Slater, who has, until recently, been an ordinary professor at Fordham University

One day she went to meet a friend for lunch outside the Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week

Foreign journalists suddenly surrounded her, mistaking her for a fashion icon and attracting spectators

It was a defining moment that turned Lyn into an Accidental Icon

Her blog of the same name, inspired by the experience, soon began making international waves

She is now a public voice against ageism in the fashion industry and the world

“Fashion and my style help me struggle against that invisibility that comes with age,” Lyn told Bright Side

She was once asked by Refinery29 about the old notion of ‘dressing for one’s age,’ and her response was clear

“…We use language to control people’s behavior… This phrase is a way of putting older women in their place”

“I’m certain that if you feel comfortable in your own clothes, it’s completely irrelevant how old you are”

Lyn is now signed with Elite, the world’s leading modeling agency, and is working with several brands

We love this lady’s edgy style and fearless attitude. Tell us what you think below!

Andrius

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accidental icon, ageism, fashion ageism, iconaccidental, lyn slater, mature female model, mature model, old age model, senior model
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