Designer Leonie Struthers is the creative force behind limited edition, sustainable fashion brand lj struthers, thoughtfully realised and hand-made in Hobart. The timelessness of each lj struthers piece lying not only in its premium craftsmanship but it’s rebuttal of conventional stereotypes relating to ‘womenswear’ and ‘age-appropriate’ fashion.

We talk to the maker herself about the beauty of hand-made, the limitations of conventional fashion and how older women should embrace the opportunity to shape their lives and build their own idiosyncratic wardrobes, and inspire younger women to do so in the process.

As we look to inspirational fifty-plus women over the seas, artist and iPhoneographer Allo Greer, known by the moniker Motorcity Mystic, reminds us that life is too short to play small.

Stylist Claudine Calliebot, is by far one of the edgiest 50-plus women in Geelong. Not one for the white capri pant and floral tunics that normally adorn those living so close to the coast, she is turning heads with her unique take on femme-punk, and has recently collaborated with some of the country’s hottest new designers, including Geelong’s very own Birdskin.

Los Angeles based designer and artist Suzi Click is a collector. Widely known for her artisan apparel and accessories line, the embodiment of her own, eclectic more is better boho style, Suzi layers both fabric and memory into each of her creations. Her 1920’s Spanish Revival home and studio is embellished with distinctive fabrics, imagery, ornamental trims and tassels collected from a lifetime of travel and an interest in tribal culture and costume.

Some young girls are really into pink. Others insist on dressing up – princess for a day is a popular theme. And others prefer to step out in a dropped waist dress, carrying mother’s handbag and sporting a mini-bouffant. And that’s just to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Even at age three, a sense of timeless styling had Elizabeth Kingston in its grip.