June and Susie
Grannies take on twenty first century style.
We wanted to interview the older generation on their takes of twenty first century style, to find out if they had any regrets, advice or mistakes to share with us. Their answers were inspirational, and shows our generation have a lot to learn about style and beauty in their eyes.
Susan Shephard, 75
What does style mean to you?
I have never really had much interest in style, as a young mother of 4 children I never had the money to choose what I wore. Finance chose my style.
However, I think it is important that people know the difference between fashion and style, they are two different things.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – a natural face devoid of makeup can be more beautiful often. Like a wildflower compared with a hot house variety.
Do you think different cultures have different views on ageing?
I think that different cultures care for the aged in different ways, however i don’t think there are different views on ageing – I don’t know much about ageing. Although there are different cultures who have a national dress and their style doesn’t seem to alter with age, apart from the younger generation, no matter what culture, seem to wear the same casual style.
What are some of the style virtues from the past that you feel are missing today?
No one seems to dress with “special” clothes anymore as they used too, for example if people go to the theatre or out for dinner.
So how long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
On a usual day it takes me around 15 minutes to get ready. I don’t wear any makeup or use any products.
Do you remember a particular time in your life when fashion really significantly changed?
At the end of the war, when rationing stopped, when it was no longer ‘make do and mend’.
Is there a piece of clothing in your mind that holds a lot of personal value to you, and if so, for what reason?
I made a night dress completely by hand in 1959, for my A level. I wore it on my honeymoon.
June McNeelance, 81
Do you think different cultures have different views on ageing?
I think they did, but times are changing now and people are seeing older generations differently, here in the UK the older generations have the option of having glasses when their eyesight is poor, teeth and hearing aids, if it wasn’t for this availability then ageing would be a problem and people would have no choice but to view me differently. I feel lucky to live in a country where ageing isn’t even a consideration in my day-to-day life.
What are some of the style virtues from the past you feel like are missing today?
Clothing was a lot more practical when I was in my early twenties. And I didn’t have much disposable income to spent on clothing at that time, I use to see the fashions and “think how am I going to make that then?” There really was a “make do and mend” attitude back then, id fix everything from socks to bed sheets when they became to worn. We were a lot more economical than people are today with clothing.
How do you define beauty?
Beauty is all about personality. But the eyes show everything there is to know about a person, that something people forget a lot today I think.
So how long does it take you to get dressed in the morning?
It can change from day-to-day depending on the activities i’ve got planed for that day. Whether its golf or lunch out with the family I always make an effort to look smart, its important for myself and makes me feel good, that is something i’ve always made sure of through out my life and will continue to do.
Do you remember a particular time in your life when fashion really significantly changed?
Late 1940’s -50’s, the clothing coupons had finally ended after the war, that meant that there was no restrictions in terms of the clothing/ fabric we used or wore. During the war the only skirts ever worn by lades where shorter due to fabric rations, so as soon as it was possible, ladies wore long skirts where ever you looked, right down to your ankles it was a complete luxury.
It there a peace of clothing in your mind or that you still own to this day that hold a lot of personal value to you, and if so for what reason.
Dirndl skirts, this was a long full length skirt I made when I was at collage, I used to dress it up and down depending on the occasion, I did this by changing the blouse, I will always remember wearing the dirndl skirt at the collage balls and spinning around whilst I danced so the skirt would be on full show, I have very fond memories associated with that skirt.