Cool Gray

I've been collecting pictures of gray-haired and white-haired women who wear their natural color with aplomb. They are style heroines to me and my gray-haired self. All photos were taken in New York City, many at labor union events.

A member of the labor union of New York City employees, DC 37. Photo by Pat Arnow

A member of DC 37, the municipal labor union for New York City Workers.

Flora Hamlett, retired teacher from Essex County, NY.

The complicated braids belong to Flora Hamlett, a retired teacher from Essex County, N.Y.

Chiropracter Maria Kennedy. Photo by Pat Arnow

Chiropractor Maria Kennedy. Magic hands.

Art teacher and painter Pearl Lau. Photo by Pat Arnow

Public school art teacher and painter Pearl Lau.

Photographer Marla Maritzer. Photo by Pat Arnow

Photographer Marla Maritzer.

A woman watching the African-American Day Parade in Harlem. Photo by Pat Arnow

A woman watching the African-American Day Parade in Harlem.

Retired teacher Carole Allen. Photo by Pat Arnow

Retired teacher Carole Allen.

Susan Fox,

Susan Fox, Administration for Children's Services.

Susan Morris, long-time friend, neighbor who works with art, media and architecture. Photo by Pat Arnow

Susan Morris, arts consultant, friend and neighbor

Maureen Banner and her white hair and earrings she made. Photo by Pat Arnow

Silversmith (and my sister) Maureen Banner. She made the earrings.

Edna Arnow. Photo by Pat Arnow

Retired potter Edna Arnow. From her 30s to her 90s, my Mom showed off the gray and looked good in it. Because of that, my own transformation beginning in my 30s was fine with me.