If you’re on Instagram then more than likely you already know style icon, Hildie Plumpepper, the silver-haired gal on the go. In many ways Hildie is every woman. She wears things the rest of us would love to wear; can’t afford to wear or have the guts to wear. On Instagram, Hildie Plumpepper is a sensation. We’re familiar with her joie de vivre; the designers she knows; the women who inspire her—and she inspires—and we love her sense of adventure and fun ways of dressing.
“But darlings… Did you know I’m now a fashion blogger on 1010ParkPlace with my own monthly column?”
Thank you, Hildie! I couldn’t have said it better! I’m excited this rare woman, who’s confident about what she wears—and looks wonderful in everything—is going to share her fashion sense on 1010ParkPlace with her own Fashion Blog. Without further adieu, please meet Jill Anthony, the woman behind “the pen.”
BRENDA: I love that Hildie’s so daring with what she wears. She always has a bemused expression on her face, confident, a free spirit. You’re 54-years-old. How did you decide to make Hildie an older woman?
JILL: In college I did an illustration for my grandmother of an older woman, wearing a powdered wig and smoking a cigarette. My grandmother had that funny little illustration on her wall for years. Over the years I would redraw her, and she evolved into a greeting card I’d send out to friends. She was always done up with long gloves and a pearl choker, very elegant, but then I did her in the Versace safety pin dress Elizabeth Hurley made famous in the ’90’s.
Then I put Hildie on Instagram. She got such a positive reaction, so I put her in an outfit Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex & the City. I had so much fun doing it, so I kept going. It was the first time, in a long time, I’d been excited with a project I was doing. That was two years ago.
I didn’t pattern her love of fashion after anyone, but her wrinkles and her jowls… Those are the faces of my family. She reminds me of my Aunt Shirley. Now when I draw her, I see what’s happening with my own face.
BRENDA: Does Hildie have any style icons?
JILL: She’s a slave to fashion. She’ll see something from a fashion show and do the look from head to toe. She tends to go for the “more is more,” over-the-top. She’s kind of like Daphne Guinness. She’ll wear anything and is very confident in how she presents herself. She loves the daring of Lady Gaga or Cher when she wore the Bob Mackie headdress. She lives out my fantasy of wearing these great things and sometimes I put her in things I don’t quite get and don’t like, but I have to put her in them.
BRENDA: Do you dress like Hildie?
JILL: In my real life, I appreciate all fashion… the good, the bad. I love people on the red carpet who might not look that great but have taken a chance. I appreciate it all. Over the past couple of years, I’ve made a shift in my dressing because I’m older, and it wasn’t working anymore. It didn’t look right; didn’t feel right, so I’ve paired it down a bit and am more classic with some fun things thrown in whether it’s a belt or jewelry or a cool jacket. Hildie does it all.
BRENDA: Instagram has fallen in love with Hildie and with your talent. Have you always drawn?
JILL: I always drew as a kid, pretty ladies, in pretty dresses. I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After I graduated I worked for a silk screen designer in NYC. I met my boyfriend, who became my husband of 30 years. We moved upstate New York and I worked for department stores in their advertising department. After the stores when bankrupt, or were taken over by major stores, I did freelance and started doing it for myself and friends. I would sell a piece here and there but I wasn’t working for anyone. I worked as a nanny. Eventually I had kids and wasn’t doing much artwork at all. My son is 15; my daughter 11. When my daughter started school, my friends and I wondered what will we do? We wanted to take care of our kids, but do we sell jam at the farmer’s market? I always knew I would do art again. It was just in the last two years that Hildie took off.
BRENDA: It must take a lot of time to research the fashions and illustrate Hildie.
JILL: Before I even start something, I look at as many photographs from online and magazines as I can get and try to be as true to the design as I can. I’m a stay at home mom, so while my kids are at school that’s when I work on her.
When I first posted the picture of her in the Versace dress, and it was reposted… I was so thrilled. When someone I’ve admired, and been following, reposts my illustrations, it fuels me.
BRENDA: Before we met, I imagined the genius behind Hildie Plumpepper might even be a man!
JILL: Oh, that’s so funny! This has been so much fun! A total blast! I’m excited to be part of 1010 Park Place! Thank you!
Okay, girlfriends! Now you know Hildie and you know Jill, so look for Hildie’s Fashion Friday blog once every month! She’s sure to surprise us! And let’s not look at Hildie from afar. We need to adopt her joie de vivre and wear what we want!
22 Comments
Hildie definitely has a Daphne Guinness/Lauren Ezersky vibe going. Love it!!!
…and no one makes silver hair more attractive than Hildie, Daphne and Lauren. I saw Diane Keaton on Jimmy Kimmel last night so let’s add her to the list. So fabulous! xoxox, Brenda
What fun! I look forward to seeing Hildie on a regular basis! Thanks, Brenda and Jill!
xob
Happy you like both of them, Barbara! xoxox, Brenda
I was so delighted when I found Hildie’s page on Instagram. I am pretty sure your page lead me to her.
I was always so beautifully styled in the fashion world.
Hildie was exactly what I would have wanted to be dressed like. Her drawings are fabulous and there is such care taken for all the details. Thank you, Brenda for the introduction to Hilde. I look forward seeing more of her creations.
Thank you, Maura! Isn’t she wonderful? Hildie and Jill and I are excited that she’s sharing her fashion sense with us. Brenda
Fabulous talent! So happy Hildie is being discovered. She is too wonderful to be kept in the closet.
I agree, Beth! I predict Hildie’s going to skyrocket to fame! Thanks for cheering her on! Brenda
This is fabulous Brenda! Congrats to both of you!
So happy you like it, Margaret! Thanks, Brenda
I followed her immediately on Instagram. I’m not a fashion person but I love the drawings, the attitude, and the name. Looking forward to her on my feed.
I know what you mean, Alana. You don’t have to be that interested in fashion to be captivated by Hildie. I think we all look forward to what she’s going to wear, plus she makes us all feel a little bit better about what we wear. So who cares how old we are, or if it matches if it makes us happy! xoxox, Brenda
Jill, you’re so talented… Hilde is lucky to have found you to “channel her” so magnifently! Looking forward to seeing lots more of her witty style!
Goody! So happy you like Jill and Hildie! xoxox, Brenda
This is all new to me and fantastic! What a fun post to start off my morning! Thank you!
Terrific! Hildie is always fun! Happy we could give you a smile, Julie!
Oh my goodness! I am so overwhelmed by all the wonderful comments! What a joy this has been! This is all the encouragement I need to create more delightful drawings of dear Hildie! I am absolutely thrilled that she has found a home here on 1010 Park Place and I’m so looking forward to dreaming up Hildie’s next fashion adventure for all of you!
Jill, Feel free to answer Hildie’s fan comments here in the future! xoxox, Brenda
Oh goodie. I had so many questions about Hildie. What a delightful illustrator. So talented to bring such Josie de vivre to paper. She’s a hoot. Great addition to your site. Bravo to both of you.
I love that word, Sandra! “Hoot!” Hildie is a hoot and she’s great fit and the most unique fashion blogger on the internet! Thank you, Brenda
How fun! Another octogenarian starlet to worship and emulate!! Jill, I predict that sometime in the near future, when you have your own line of greeting cards and canvas bags, you’re gonna look with wonderment at that little illustration for your grandmother. Kudos!!
I’m with you on that, Mithra! Hildie’s going to be HUGE!! BTW, Hildie’s “over 65,” so tops, she’s in her 70’s which is a “septuagenarian.” xoxox, Brenda