By Susan Thwing | PUBLISHED: April 12, 2025 at 6:11 AM ED
By Susan Thwing |
PUBLISHED: April 12, 2025 at 6:11 AM EDT
Fashion has long been a medium of self-expression. It serves as a means of visibility, a reflection of identity and a bold declaration of individuality. As we age, fashion continues to be a powerful tool for self-reinvention, confidence and joy. Rather than fading into the background, older adults are reclaiming their style and embracing their authentic selves with renewed energy.
For many individuals, freely expressing themselves through fashion is a privilege that was not always accessible in their younger years. Events like MiGen’s Rainbow Resilience: An Ageless Fashion Affair provide a long-awaited opportunity to showcase their identities — many for the first time.
Angela Gabridge, executive director of MiGen, emphasized the importance of this shift:
“We planned Rainbow Resilience out of a desire to center and celebrate the aging side of our LGBTQ+ community. Not only are our older folks often forgotten as we age, but many of them never really got to showcase and celebrate themselves authentically when they were younger,” Gabridge said. “Rainbow Resilience is different from traditional narratives that say we should get smaller, quieter and less bold with age. It says aging is sexy (if you want it to be). It is joyful, incredibly relevant and a stage of life worth celebrating.”
Each outfit was a deeply personal statement for the 11 models who graced the runway at Rainbow Resilience in March. Jess Minnick, owner of Not Sorry Goods and the show’s creative director, took a unique approach to curating the designs.
“The models filled out a form with their style preferences and what they wanted to get out of the show,” Minnick said. “I wanted to honor what they were looking to express and paired them with artists and designers who could bring that vision to life. Every piece was made with them in mind, and they got to keep their look — a tangible reminder of their confidence and resilience.”
One of the standout stories from the night was that of Leslie Henry, a model living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Minnick and a designer from The Dom Press created a one-of-a-kind look for Henry, printing significant photos and moments from her life onto fabric.
“On the inside of the garment was a message: ‘For Leslie, with love.’ Her wife, who walked the runway alongside her as her primary caregiver, shared how deeply meaningful the outfit was, allowing Leslie to carry pieces of her memories with her,” Minnick said.
For Tracey Mitchell, 55, from Southfield, the fashion show was more than just a chance to wear a stunning outfit, It was a transformative experience. Mitchell, who works in mental health care, turned to the event as part of her healing process after a traumatic assault at work.
“I couldn’t sleep one night and was scrolling through Facebook when I saw the casting call for models,” Mitchell recalled. “I signed up on a whim, never expecting to get chosen. But when I got the call, I knew it was meant to be. This was a chance for me to step out of my shell and reclaim my confidence.”
Minnick paired Mitchell with a designer specializing in vintage-inspired fashion to align with her love for glamorous, old-Hollywood styles. She walked the runway in a peach-colored, sparkling gown that beautifully complemented her skin tone.
“Walking that runway felt like a rebirth,” Mitchell said. “I was able to block out my insecurities and just be me. It was a moment of pure joy and self-acceptance.”
Though the journey wasn’t without its challenges — Mitchell faced scheduling conflicts, a minor car accident and lingering self-doubt — her determination never wavered. “I told myself I was going to see it through, no matter what,” she said. “And I did. I walked that runway, and I felt powerful.”
Fashion at any age
Beyond the personal stories, Rainbow Resilience highlighted the broader message that self-expression through fashion is ageless. Minnick noted that while many of the designers were in their 20s and 30s, they found deep inspiration in working with older models.
“It was amazing to see young designers connect with these models, hearing their stories and translating them into wearable art,” Minnick said. “It put so much into perspective — the resilience, the joy, the unwavering authenticity of our elders. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience for everyone involved.”
Fashion has the power to uplift, to validate and to help people feel seen. Whether it was a model embracing their gender expression for the first time, another reclaiming a part of their past, or simply someone feeling beautiful in a way they never had before, the impact was undeniable.
Embracing authenticity
Mitchell said she hopes her experience encourages others to embrace their personal style without fear.
“I would tell anyone — look in the mirror and remind yourself every day that you are beautiful. Wear what makes you feel good. Be bold. Be unapologetically you,” she said.
For Gabridge, the event reinforced MiGen’s mission to uplift LGBTQ+ individuals across generations.
“The versatility and changeability of fashion is also very appealing. It transcends the binary entirely and allows us all to present as we are in that moment,” she said. “So many in our community never got to celebrate the experience of aging — whether due to the AIDS epidemic, violence or the chronic stress that discrimination causes. Rainbow Resilience brings the aging experience front and center and reminds us all that we remain vibrant because we say so.”
