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Glammas: Fit and fashionable Filipino grandmas we aspire to be

By Camille Santiago Published Jun 10, 2023 4:51 pm

They say life begins at 60, and we believe so as these glamorous lolas prove it to be.

While grandmas are often stereotyped as wrinkly, and with gray hair, this is not necessarily a bad thing. There are some who are setting a new standard for what it means to be stylish and fashionable while inspiring others to do the same.

Just take a look at fashion designer Vera Wang, who looks nothing like her age, 73. The internet was blown away by her age-defying body, calling her 'immortal.' Martha Stewart, 81, also recently went viral for her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. And oh, have you heard about the internet-famous Beijing Glammas? They're a group of stylish grandmas in their 70s who model the streets of Beijing.

These women over 60 are embracing their age, showing everyone that it is possible to be beautiful, stylish, and confident regardless of their age and appearance.

Syra Garcia

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A post shared by Syra A Garcia (@syragarcia8)

Coleen Garcia recently shared an Instagram Reel of her lola Syra's boudoir shoot for her 70th birthday, and it kept her comments section buzzing!

Syra, who is a "fitness grandma" of 10 and a great grandma of Amari Crawford, regularly posts about her workout on social media doing heavy lifting, weights, and even wall climbing.

"You don't have to feel or look your age. Just be you," her bio read.

Tessie Singson

When we grow up, we want to be as fashionable as Tessie Singson aka Lola Androgynous!

You may have heard about the 70-year-old former blogger who used to post about her OOTDs way back in 2010. She also frequents fashion shows and events here in the Philippines wearing futuristic, androgynous clothing, mostly by designers Yayoi Kusama, Commes des Garcon, and Issey Miyake. Now, she has moved her content to Instagram, still sharing pictures (and Reels) of her fab looks.

In an interview with Tatler Asia, Lola A shared that she draws inspiration from Hollywood actress Tilda Swinton. “I can relate to her androgynous and minimalist style. She's super fierce and undeniably unique.”

Sonia Santiago Olivares
@ladiesofmadisonave This is a great example of how you can wear something conceptual and 3 dimensional and still be elegant. I love when I see generations of women together with great style. I adored the pearls and wonderful sunglasses! #elegant #isseymiyake #commedesgarcons #commedesgarçons #styleinspo #luxurylife #luxury #madisonavenue #uppereastside #uppereastsidenyc ♬ Your Love - Album Mix - Lime

Famous TikTok page Ladies of Madison Ave. spotted interior designer Sonia Santiago Olivares on the streets of one of the most fashionable cities in the world, New York City.

She was wearing an Issey Miyake jacket from the Pleats Please collection, black flowy trousers, sneakers, and layered pearl necklaces. Her daughter Maja Olivares-Co was with her wearing a Commes des Garcon top.

Sonia took a master's degree at the New York School of Interior Design and eventually founded Sonia Santiago Olivares & Associates (SSOa) in the Philippines. She is also the chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Interior Design (PRBoID).