As the editor of Scotland’s only women’s glossy, I pride myself on staying attuned to the heartbeat of our readership. However, a recent event illuminated a harsh reality that lurks beneath the glitz and glamour of the fashion world: ageism.

Picture this: a bustling work event, a gathering of customers, press members, and a whirlwind of influencers, all drawn together by a visiting fashion brand from London. Amidst the mingling and air kisses, something felt amiss. Despite my position granting me a certain level of recognition – what some might call “profile privilege” – I found myself invisible in the eyes of the hosts who were visiting for a few days. As they showered attention on the younger influencers, the rest of us, including the more mature customers, were relegated to the sidelines, overlooked as if we were shadows in the room.

The sting of feeling invisible lingered after the event. Was this the daily reality for my peers without the shield of visibility that my position affords? The answer, it seemed, was a resounding "yes." Conversations with friends and associates revealed a common sentiment; they felt their value depreciating by the age of 40, and by 50, some even joked about pursuing careers in MI5, as they believed they were flying under everyone's radar.

But rather than succumbing to bitterness (well I did for about an hour) I chose to use my frustration productively. That very night, fuelled by determination, I reached out to three remarkable women, all over 45, who I knew possessed the wisdom and insight to navigate such challenges. And thus, the seeds were planted for our upcoming event at Bread Street Kitchen - Breaking the Silence - Invisible Women Syndrome.

Our mission? To challenge the entrenched notion that a woman's worth diminishes with age. By shedding light on the unique hurdles faced by women at different stages of life, we aim to foster empathy and understanding within our community. Let's ignite conversations about ageism and advocate for support systems that uplift and empower women at every age.

But our efforts don't stop there. By educating younger women about the realities that lie ahead, we can shift perceptions and encourage them to view their elders not as obsolete, but as mentors willing to offer invaluable wisdom and guidance.

Join us as we unveil the invisible, confront ageism head-on, and pave the way for a future where every woman, regardless of age, is seen, heard, and valued. It's time to rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to age with grace and dignity in the world of fashion and beyond.

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Confronting Ageism in Fashion & Beyond