Judith – who dubs herself The Style Crone – has amassed over 50,000 followers on Instagram.
A runway queen who dubs herself The Style Crone has amassed 50,000 Instagram followers and took New York Fashion Week by storm, when she captivated audiences modelling trendsetting designs – despite being 76!
Now a leading ‘granfluencer’ – a senior influencer on social media – former psychiatric nurse Judith Boyd, a widow with three children and eight grandchildren, prides herself on her ageless style.
But, an avid campaigner against ageism, she calls herself a ‘crone’ in a blog she has been writing for a decade, saying she uses the word to celebrate rather than denigrate older woman.
Judith, of Denver, Colorado, USA, said: “Crone used to be a positive description of an older woman, who would have been celebrated in traditional cultures, but today it is used to describe an ‘ugly old woman’.
“I want to change that and raise awareness of the original meaning of the word, to help celebrate older women.
“Ageism divides the generations, which is bad for both younger and older people, and I think, as a mature woman, it’s never been more important to be out there and visible and talking to people of all ages, which is what I do.”
But, while Judith’s effortless grace makes her look like she has been strutting down catwalks all her life, she modelled for the first time only a few years ago, when she was 72.
“I joined a modelling agency a couple of years ago,” she said “I’ve done a jewellery ad campaign and I’ve walked on the runway for a Denver designer, opening their show during New York Fashion Week earlier this year.
“It just goes to show it is never too late.”
Born in 1943 into a farming family in rural Minnesota in the American mid-west, and growing up with three brothers with no one giving two hoots about style, she regarded her single aunts, who had good jobs in the city, as the epitome of glamour.
She said: “I loved dressing up from a young age, although there was no focus on style in my immediate family.
“I remember having a number of aunts who worked in the city. They were secretaries and teachers and I thought they were very stylish.”
She continued: “Back then, you could not teach and be married, so the ones that were teachers must have been single and I did think they were very glamorous.”
Aged 18, Judith left the farm to start her nursing training in the city of Minneapolis, which was four hours away from where she grew up.
“I loved being away from home,” she recalled. “It was a very sophisticated city with lots of theatre, music and art, so it was my introduction to a bigger world.”
It was also where Judith started to develop her unique sense of style and her passion for vintage clothes, especially hats.
“I was working as a psychiatric nurse in the emergency department of a large hospital, so my day was filled with talking to people who were traumatised, suicidal, homicidal and psychotic,” she said.
“They would be in the middle of the biggest crisis of their lives and I found I was good at talking to them, because I was empathetic.”
“I would think about what to wear to work in the morning, because I no longer had to wear a nursing uniform and, in a way, my clothes prepared me for the day. They allowed me to express myself and I know my patients appreciated that in their day too.”
Having married when she was 23, in 1975 Judith parted from her first husband and the father of her eldest children, Troy, 49 and Tania, 47.
Moving to Denver, 900 miles away in Colorado to be closer to friends, two years later in 1977 she met Nelson, who she married in 1980. The father of her third child, Camille, 38, he loved hats, too, and, like Judith, was innately stylish.
“Nelson was a very charismatic introvert,” she said. “He was very, very stylish and always wore a hat. When I started blogging, he was my first photographer.”
Describing their union as a “magical relationship,” she was devastated when he was diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary, when doctors cannot identify where the disease started, in 2005, and was taken from her in 2011, aged 62, just nine months after they launched her style blog, which she says helped her to keep going after his death.
“I carried on blogging to honour Nelson. When he died, it was so hard to think about going on without him, but the blog helped,” she said.
She continued: “I blogged throughout the time he was dying. He would have a chemotherapy appointment and I would decide what to wear and then write a blog about what you wear to go to chemotherapy with your dying husband.
“Nelson would take the photos when we were alone together, before his treatment started, so he really helped me lay the foundations for the life I have now and my reinvention of myself after his death.”
Another person who helped Judith adjust to life without Nelson was her youngest daughter Camille, who introduced her to yoga.
“I went along to a class and really struggled through it,” said Judith, who now attends four hot dynamic yoga classes a week, to stay supple, flexible and keep in shape.
“I realised when Nelson died that there are things that happen that we cannot control in our lives, but there are also things like what we wear, what we eat and whether we exercise or not, which we do choose.”
Now an avid campaigner against ageism, Judith hopes that her blog and her positive attitude to life in her 70s, will inspire other women to realise that age is just a number.
“I’ve just started a new project working with widows where I combine my mental health background with my style in telling the story of my own loss and reinvention and I hope that helps inspire others,” she said.
And by continuing with her blogging and Instagram she feels she has found a way of keeping the love story she shared with Nelson alive.
“I have had some very positive responses and the modelling has been wonderful,” she said.
“It really was a way to lighten up a devastating experience, Nelson would have supported it completely.”
Judith blogs herewww.stylecrone.com. You can find her on Instagram here www.instagram.com/stylecrone
The WNBA wears Prada.
The stars of the game wore top fashion labels Monday night that turned the draft into a mini-Oscars where style was front and center along with the picks.
Caitlin Clark. Cameron Brink. Kamilla Cardoso. Angel Reese.
They all stepped onto the stage and met the challenge essentially every woman can identify with: Overcoming the trepidation of finding just the right outfit for that special occasion.
“There’s never been a bigger spotlight on women’s basketball, thanks in large part to players like Caitlin Clark and coaches like Dawn Staley," Rose Minutaglio, ELLE senior editor of features and special projects, wrote in an email to The Associated Press.
Usually, when a woman finds what she wants, it’s not a question of whether alterations are needed, but how much. The taller the woman, the bigger the challenge can be.
These tall ladies appeared to pass the test.
It was the perfect time for a fashionable splash just like NFL and NBA players do on their draft nights. Last year, Taylor Hendricks of UCF wore a pink suit with the jacket lined with photos representing his journey to the NBA and the people who meant the most to him.
“With more eyes on the league, players recognize the opportunity to showcase their personalities through their style,” Minutaglio said. "Because of glaring pay discrepancies, fashion partnerships and brand sponsorships will continue to play a big role for female athletes.”
Staley and her South Carolina Gamecocks' victory over Clark and Iowa in the women’s national championship game outdrew the men in television ratings, and this is shaping up to be the WNBA's most-watched draft.
The 6-foot Clark was joined in New York by the 6-7 Cardoso, 6-4 Brink and 6-3 Reese, among others. They've been busy since the NCAA Tournament, too, especially Clark, who made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live."
Clark went with a white jacket and skirt with a sparkly cut-off top, sunglasses and black heels. She credited having people help her prepare keeping it less stressful.
“The first time Prada has ever dressed a male or female for WNBA or NBA draft so pretty cool,” Clark said during the WNBA's livestream from its orange carpet.
Brink and Reese wore outfits that wouldn't be out of place during Fashion Week or a red carpet in Hollywood. Brink wore a diagonal black and white dress showing off both shoulders with a slit exposing her right leg.
Reese shimmered in a hooded, backless gray dress with a plunging neckline after a late wardrobe change with help from designers Bronx and Banco, Simon Miller and Christian Louboutin.
“I got this two days ago," Reese said. "My original dress didn’t fit.”
Rickea Jackson of Tennessee made a wardrobe change between the orange carpet and the draft itself before being selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks.
“They’re just going to be falling in love with my personality,” Jackson said of Sparks' fans.
Alissa Pili, the eighth pick by Minnesota, worked with a designer to pay tribute to her Alaska Native heritage in the black and gold pattern of her dress.
Most of these glam looks didn't come off the rack.
Being tall is an advantage and not a hindrance for WNBA players. Models who grace the runways during fashion week and the covers of fashion magazines often stand at least 6 feet and taller.
The league's own growing popularity in recent years also has helped.
"Players are also starting to work directly with designers, who help outfit them, and stylists, who focus on game-day drip,” Minutaglio wrote.
This was only the second WNBA draft with fans in attendance, and 1,000 tickets sold out in February for the event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Fans got to attend the 2016 draft at the Mohegan Sun when former UConn All-American Breanna Stewart was the top pick.
Shakira Austin, the third overall pick in 2022 by the Washington Mystics, understands the angst Clark and others faced. While the 6-5 center was playing in college at Mississippi, Austin was forced to be creative as she struggled to find pants that fit or any clothing that captured her style.
So she got busy with a sewing machine and became her own designer. Now that Austin is in the pros, she's a fashionista tapping into her creativity, doing more than just pants, leggings and shirts. Austin told the AP earlier this year that it's a great time to dive into both modeling and clothing design.
On her way to becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, Clark was surprised by designer Kristin Juszczyk, whose husband, Kyle, plays for NFC champion San Francisco in the NFL. She created a puffer vest with Clark's No. 22 in Iowa black and gold, putting the player in select company with the likes of pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Minutaglio said several brands work with female athletes, with Glossier and SKIMS teaming up with the WNBA specifically. She noted sports brands like Puma, Adidas and Nike all work with women in basketball.
“What’s interesting is we’re seeing players and teams branch out into high-fashion, wearing Dior and Louis Vuitton and Gucci,” Minutaglio said.
Staley herself was decked out on the sideline of the title game in Louis Vuitton, from her silver jacket down to her sneakers, grabbing attention for her look far beyond the sports pages. Minutaglio noted New York-based women's wear brand M.M. LaFleur has a multiyear deal with the New York Liberty.
“I wrote a story for ELLE in 2022 predicting the rise of WNBA game-day fashion, and since then, the looks just keep getting better and better,” Minutaglio wrote. "The fashion set is excited to see where it goes from here.”
AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg contributed to this report.
AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
CORRECTS TO CAITLIN CLARK NOT CAITLYN CLARK - Iowa's Caitlin Clark gives autographs before the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
CORRECTS TO CAITLIN CLARK NOT CAITLYN CLARK - From left to right, LSU's Angel Reese, Iowa's Caitlin Clark and Stanford's Cameron Brink pose for a photo before the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
CORRECTS TO CAITLIN CLARK NOT CAITLYN CLARK - Iowa's Caitlin Clark, right, reacts after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
LSU's Angel Reese blows a kiss after being selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Utah's Alissa Pili, right, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected eighth overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
CORRECTS TO RICKEA INSTEAD OF RICK - Tennessee's Rickea Jackson, right, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
LSU's Angel Reese, right, is helped off the stage after being selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso, left, poses for a photo with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected third overall by the Chicago Sky during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Stanford's Cameron Brink, right, is escorted off the state after being selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Iowa's Caitlyn Clark reacts after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the first round of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
UConn's Aaliyah Edwards poses for a photo before the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Iowa's Caitlyn Clark waves to fans before the start of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Iowa's Caitlyn Clark, center, talks with UConn head coach Geno Auriemma before the start of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Iowa's Caitlyn Clark signs autographs before the start of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
LSU's Angel Reese and Iowa's Caitlyn Clark pose for a photo before the start of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
From left, LSU's Angel Reese, Iowa's Caitlyn Clark, and Stanford's Cameron Brink, pose for a photo before the start of the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - Louisville's Emily Engstler reacts after being selected by the Indiana Fever as the fourth overall pick in the WNBA basketball draft, April 11, 2022, in New York. Everyone likes to look good for a big night on the town. Lots of people will be watching as the WNBA’s next players turn out dressed in their finest looks for Monday night's April 15, 2024, draft. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
FILE - Georgia Tech's Sasha Goodlett, left, holds up an Indiana Fever jersey with WNBA president Laurel J. Richie after Indiana selected Goodlett as the No. 11 pick in the WNBA basketball draft in Bristol, Conn., April 16, 2012. Everyone likes to look good for a big night on the town. Lots of people will be watching as the WNBA’s next players turn out dressed in their finest looks for Monday night's April 15, 2024, draft. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)
FILE - Tennessee's Rae Burrell, left, poses for a photo with commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the ninth overall pick in the WNBA basketball draft, April 11, 2022, in New York. Everyone likes to look good for a big night on the town. Lots of people will be watching as the WNBA’s next players turn out dressed in their finest looks for Monday night's April 15, 2024, draft. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
FILE - Prospective players for the 2012 WNBA basketball draft pose for a photograph at ESPN in Bristol, Conn., April 16, 2012. Everyone likes to look good for a big night on the town. Lots of people will be watching as the WNBA’s next players turn out dressed in their finest looks for Monday night's April 15, 2024, draft. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after the Final Four college basketball championship game against Iowa in the women's NCAA Tournament, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Cleveland. South Carolina won 87-75. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
FILE - Baylor's Kalani Brown, right, poses for a photo with WNBA COO Christy Hedgpeth after being selected by the Los Angeles Sparks as the seventh overall pick in the WNBA basketball draft, April 10, 2019, in New York. Everyone likes to look good for a big night on the town. Lots of people will be watching as the WNBA’s next players turn out dressed in their finest looks for Monday night's April 15, 2024, draft. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
