Coming Of Age.

Byline: PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL THOMPSON

Anyone can dress like a teenager, inject Botox nonstop, and dye grays into oblivion. But looking good and feeling powerful at any age requires subtlety. Experts reveal the foods that combat wrinkles, the most effective destressors, and the hair-color tricks that take off years.

SEDUCTIVE DRESSING

It's been just over 35 years since Diane von Furstenberg designed her first wrap dress, and her attitudes about fashion, youth, and beauty have remained as consistent as that iconic dress's popularity. "Clothes are not about clothes, and looking great is not about age," she says. Translation: Her philosophy is based on simplicity, ease, and occasionally a great bracelet.

Do you think that sexiness is intrinsically linked to youth? As a rule, I prefer the word "seductive" to "sexy." "Seductive" sounds less aggressive, maybe because the x in the word "sexy" seems so harsh. I think there is nothing more seductive than a woman who doesn't try. When you stop hunting, when you stop trying for it, you are more becomingand, to some degree, you are more seductive.

I don't agree with our tendency to glorify youth. I never really understand it when I see someone freak about turning 30. There is something helpless about being a child. I always looked older than my age, and I loved that, because I always wanted to be in charge of myself.

Do Europeans have a different attitude about this than Americans? I think so. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's a European thing. Obviously I don't have the body or the face I used to have, but I personally think of every wrinkle as a souvenir, and I don't want to erase every moment of my life. You should enjoy who you arekeep fit, eat well, and maintain a healthy body, but enjoy the aging process.