Meeting Ilona Royce Smithkin #133

Tonight I met one of my idols. It was magical.

Photo: Ari Seth Cohen

My friends and I were all headed out to get some food and have a drink in the West Village. As we were getting off the train at 14th street a petite woman in a bright green tracksuit walked past us . One of my friends proceeded to say, "Woh look at that granny swag!". I then stopped them all in a crazed fit of joy. Perhaps a little over excited, I explained to them who in fact had just walked past us. It was none other than Ilona Smithkin.

Ilona is one of the style matriarchs of New York City. At 90 years old she still makes her own fake eyelashes from her own hair!

After containing my excitement we then went up the stairs to the platform exit where I saw Ilona walking toward us. I struggled internally for whole of 30 seconds as to whether I should introduce myself. Screw it, I thought. After a little encouragement from the friends I went up and told Ms. Smithkin how amazing she was. She shook my hand. I babbled a little. She laughed, smiled a little, and then I carried on my way.  I could die happy today.

If you want to know more about Ms. Smithkin check out this clip below. It's not to be overlooked, trust me.

Peace, Morgs