Forget the idea of reversing age. Australian mother Trish Rhoda shows that being authentic is a powerful fashion statement.
At 58, her closet has transformed into a liberating space, and she feels rejuvenated.
“Age is just a number,” Roda shared with news.com.au.
“Style is who you are. It’s about individuality and expressing yourself. It’s just being you.”
“Show me how great she is at 58”
Having styled wardrobes for many years, her boldest partnership is with her 31-year-old daughter, Susanna Gagliardi. Together, they’re redefining age-appropriate fashion.
“My mom and I are super close. We’re like best friends,” Gagliardi mentioned.
“I’ve always known she’s a strong woman, and she’s who I aspire to be as I age.”
The duo thought Roda’s fashion enthusiasm deserved more attention, leading them to TikTok, where they quickly gained popularity.
“I wanted to showcase how amazing she is at 58,” Gagliardi remarked.
Roda enjoys sharing her passion for fashion and challenging societal expectations for middle-aged women.
“Society dictates how we should dress and look. It’s really about understanding who you are, and that’s not always easy,” Roda noted.
“If people explore their identity in their own space, they can take on the world when they step outside.”
This message is crucial, yet the mother-daughter duo faces the realities of the internet, including criticism.
Their latest video has gathered over 780,000 views, showcasing Rhoda in chic black leather pants and a sparkling top.
Still, not everyone is supportive. Some internet users took to the comments section with varying opinions.
One commenter stated, “She shows that looks fade with time.”
Another remarked, “If she were my mom, I’d advise her to be sensible.”
A third added: “She looks good, but maybe she should dress her age instead of trying to look 30 years younger. Just my thoughts.”
“She has an army behind her.”
But if you think these comments might affect them, think again.
“Negative comments don’t bother me. They fuel my fire,” Roda admitted.
“It’s like a challenge—just wait till you see what’s next.”
While Gagliardi feels protective of her mom, she remains calm about the criticisms.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that’s fine,” she said. “As long as it doesn’t harm my mom, I’m okay with it.”
“She has an entire community supporting her. I love that.”
She refers not just to the comments defending Roda’s fashion choices but also the supportive messages she receives regularly.
“My inbox fills up with love, with people saying, ‘I adore your mom. She’s so inspirational.'” Some express fear about aging, but that’s shifting, she noted.
This, after all, is their motivating factor—it’s more than just clothing; it’s about empowering women to embrace their true selves.
“I just want to inspire others,” she said.
“If I can encourage even one woman to accept herself, that’s enough for me.”
For them, fashion isn’t about reliving the past. It’s about proving that style knows no age boundaries.
“We’ll keep sharing,” Gagliardi declared. “My mom has an array of different styles and outfits, and we love to showcase the joy in that.”
