Wrinkle in time: silver-haired fashion stars are just what we need

Wan-Ji Chang and Sho-Er Hsu

Taking dressing up in quarantine to a whole new level, octogenarian fashion superstars Wan-Ji Chang and Sho-Er Hsu found instant fame through their Instagram account Want Show As Young, enriching our feed with some much-needed wholesomeness. In just over a month the fashionable Taiwanese pair have garnered more than 622,000 followers wearing and styling the forgotten clothing from their laundromat. 

From matching pastel suits to oversized sunglasses and bucket hats, over the decades they have amassed a veritable treasure trove of forgotten and uncollected clothing. The couple were inspired by their grandson, Reef Chang, who, in an effort to lift his grandparents’ quarantine spirit, decided to recycle the clothes for their amusement.  

“I hope that through the Instagram account I can let everyone know that they must remember to pick up the clothes. Besides, seeing the life of my grandparents [in quarantine] is very boring, I hope to give them some change and fun.”

Chang has been assisting his grandparents at their laundromat since he was a child, and is responsible for the styling, art direction and photography.  

“They are very happy with the success; followers encourage them and praise them as if they have many more grandchildren in the world. They also feel that they have done a good thing – to remind elderly people not to limit themselves.”  

Britt Kanja  

“In old age, life just begins,” says Berlin’s brightest silver-haired style icon Britt Kanja. As a former professional dancer, stylist and model, it’s no surprise that Britt (and her equally stylish husband) have become firm favourites on Berlin’s art and cultural scene.  

Aside from making all her own clothing (adding designer to her already impressive repertoire) Britt also produces fashion shows, works as a digital designer and creates her own artwork. 

“I’m constantly aiming to broaden my horizon and I feel I’m expecting less and less and am able to give more and more. We’re living in tough, exploitative times, but it’s up to you to make the best out of it – and let the sparks fly!”

Promoting classical elegance and grace with a fierce sense of humour, Britt has been likened to a modern-day Audrey Hepburn.

 Whether in duchess satin, orchid fascinators or turquoise jewellery, the “ Grande Dame of Berlin Nightlife”, as she has come to be known, is often seen rolling through Berlin on skates. 

Arlinda McIntosh 

Drawing on her expertise as a freelance costume designer, Sofistafunk by Arlinda McIntosh has evolved into a zero-waste fashion brand that not only delivers high-octane design with an eco-conscious element but also promotes body positivity and inclusivity. 

Sofistafunk is made up of brightly coloured, energetic pieces that celebrate the diversity of female beauty.  

McIntosh designs, models and wears all the garments herself, even attracting the attention of Ari Seth Cohen, the brain behind “Advanced Style”, a love letter to ageless beauty and style.

Her inspiration to become Sofistafunk’s model is rooted in the brand’s cornerstone of authenticity – the more she remained true to herself, instead of trying to be some inauthentic, idealised woman, the more her sales increased.

“Heavier or thinner, I never thought about it that way, I just knew my skirts were cute. And that was all that mattered. Society tells us when something is a beautiful outfit – ‘Oh I love that on you, it makes you look so young’. Why? Maybe I don’t want to look young. Maybe I want to look like I look.”