Fashion and style, ever-evolving, continue to push the boundaries of age and expectation. Enter Sarah Silsbury, a seasoned stylist with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She embarks on a journey to empower women, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, to reclaim their fashion mojo and embrace their fabulous selves.
A Confident Advocate for Ageless Style
Sarah’s magnetic confidence is palpable from the moment you meet her, reflecting a deep belief in the power of style to transcend age and societal norms. Her mission is clear: to remind women that age should never dictate their style choices. “The only thing that dictates style is a smile – not age, size, or other people’s opinions!” Sarah emphatically declares. At 52 years old, she serves as a living testament to her message, radiating enthusiasm for fashion and life.
A devoted mother to Ava, her 18-year-old daughter currently studying fashion journalism at the renowned Central St Martins in London, Sarah’s life took an unexpected turn in April 2021. Her husband’s new role as the Vice President of e-commerce for the Alshaya Group led the Silsbury family to Dubai. They now reside in The Sustainable City, sharing their home with two adorable dogs and two adopted cats.
From UK to Dubai Runways
Sarah’s career as a stylist in the UK spanned a quarter of a century, during which she worked with high street and luxury brands, as well as personal shopping clients. Her transition to Dubai was marked by a desire to fill a niche she noticed in the market – women in their 40s and 50s seeking guidance and confidence in fashion. In Dubai, her journey took an unexpected yet exciting turn when she ventured into the world of modeling.
Sarah proudly refers to herself as a ‘vintage’ model, smashing stereotypes and challenging conventions about age and beauty in the fashion industry. She has graced the runway for local brands like Emilia Ohrtmann, Janara Jones, Beckie Brambles, SandDollar, The Briden Collection, and The Bubble, to name a few. Her unique blend of styling expertise and modeling experience has provided her with invaluable insights into the struggles that middle-aged women face when it comes to fashion.
Empowering Women Through Style
One of Sarah’s key offerings is in-depth color and body analysis. As we age, our features change, and the right colors and shapes can accentuate our natural beauty. Sarah guides her clients to discover what styles and shades suit them best, ensuring they feel confident in their choices.
But her work doesn’t stop there. Sarah takes a holistic approach, helping clients curate wardrobes that work for them. By creating outfits from existing pieces, eliminating items that no longer serve a purpose, and adding carefully selected new additions, she ensures her clients not only look their best but also feel great every day.
From Stylist to Model
Sarah’s journey in Dubai took an unexpected turn when she was approached to model for local brands. She quickly became a ‘vintage’ model, flying the flag for ladies in their 50s, proudly declaring, “we’re still fabulous!” She’s modeled for esteemed names like Emilia Ohrtmann, Janara Jones, and Beckie Brambles, Pret a Manger, and Wolf & Badger to name just a few.
Modeling, for Sarah, isn’t just about striking poses; it’s about proving that women in middle age still have the time, money, and desire to look and feel good. It’s about encouraging women to shed their worries about societal opinions and regain their confidence, allowing them to have fun with fashion once again.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Sarah’s journey has not been without its challenges. She acknowledges that as women, they often grapple with self-doubt and fear of societal judgment. However, as she aptly points out, “You get one shot at life and need to do everything and anything that you can.” She has learned to shed negativity and only engage in endeavors that bring her joy and fulfillment. Her mantra is clear: “Wear the dress!” Confidence, she believes, is the key to unlocking one’s true potential.
Inspiration and Giving Back
What inspires Sarah most in her work is witnessing individuals bloom with newfound confidence as they embrace their unique style. She describes the profound joy of helping clients feel good about themselves, a sentiment that transcends the glamor of magazine shoots and advertisements. Sarah has indeed worked with notable brands and made friends along the way, but her true achievement lies in helping people rediscover their self-love.
Looking ahead, Sarah is excited about collaborating with Rachel Dowes from Beyond Wellness to offer transformative workshops and sessions that emphasize mindful makeovers.
A Unique Approach to Style
What sets Sarah and her work apart is her genuine care for her clients. Having experienced periods of feeling lost and unconfident herself, she understands the physical and mental challenges that women face as they age. She firmly believes that women in their 40s and 50s are in their prime, possessing both the time and confidence to be who they want to be. She aims to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, advocating for the recognition of this formidable and glamorous age group.
Networking and Spreading Kindness
Sarah’s approach to networking is driven by her love for people, especially women. She cherishes the connections she has made in Dubai, where supportive women have cheered her on and encouraged her journey. She emphasizes the importance of never turning down opportunities, as you never know who you might meet along the way.
In a world that often seems preoccupied with negativity, Sarah believes in the simple power of kindness. “If you set out to make other people feel better for having met you,” she says, “the energy you’re putting out is positive and will be reciprocated.” Dubai, in her experience, is a kind and supportive community where people want to see others succeed.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Projects and Opportunities
As Sarah continues to make strides in her modeling career, she has exciting projects on the horizon. Her journey is far from over, and she plans to add in-store styling with Etoile boutique to her repertoire, all while uncovering the hidden fashion gems of Dubai.
Her message of self-confidence, self-expression, and positivity speaks about the transformative power of fashion. As she continues to redefine fashion and empower women, we can’t help but feel inspired to embrace our own fabulous selves and, as Sarah wisely says, always “Wear the dress!”
