Silver-Haired Influencer: Diane Gilman, Breast Cancer Survivor

In this conversation, Diane Gilman shares her remarkable journey from aspiring fashion designer to a successful tele-retail personality, overcoming personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband and her own battle with breast cancer. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, the need for supportive aftercare, and challenges the stigma of aging and ageism. Diane's story is one of empowerment, reinvention, and a commitment to inspire others, particularly women, to embrace their talents and live fulfilling lives regardless of age.

After 30 years of experience in front of the camera connecting with the baby boomer audience on television, Diane has set out to become a proaging advocate and a “Silver-haired Influencer”. Through social media, YouTube and the launch of her podcast, Too Young To Be Old, Diane’s goal is to educate and inspire the 50+ community in a range of lifestyle topics such as fashion, health & wellness, fashion, beauty & skincare, and everything aging solutions.

Encouraged, she opened a boutique in LA that attracted a celebrity clientele, then moved to San Francisco after graduation where she produced denim creations for Jerry Garcia, Jim Morrison, and other musical greats. In her 20s, she moved to New York City, fitting Madonna-style “bullet bras” at Bloomingdale’s by day, and socializing with celebrities at Studio 54 and the Peppermint Lounge by night.

She pioneered the first line of women’s washable silk garments, creating a phenomenon with “The Diane Gilman Collection,” which took off when QVC invited Diane to sell her silks on-air, creating a loyal fan base.

When Diane lost her husband at age 52 after a long illness, she dove into her work, and by the age of 57, ballooned to 200 pounds, which was uncomfortable and frustrating. A year shy of 60, she decided to reconnect with her sense of self worth, and set out to find a pair of jeans that fit and flattered a mature woman’s body– to no avail. But then she had a light bulb moment that changed her life completely. Boomer women needed jeans to fit their bodies and make them feel beautiful and sexy, so she decided to design them herself in a way that stretched, lifted and boosted boomer women in all the right places.

Her DG2 jeans were an overnight sensation, and she quickly earned the title “Jeans Queen”. By 2019, her DG2 Jeans line had sold more than 19 million pairs on HSN and she became the network’s longest running and number one fashion personality, achieving sales of $150+ million annually. Her biggest career success hit at age 60!

But just as Diane enjoyed her meteoric rise, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her oncologist told her that she was a great candidate for survival because she was such a fighter. Diane turned tragedy into triumph. And while chemo stole her famous long, auburn hair, she emerged triumphant, with bright, white hair that illuminates her face and symbolizes her defiance and determination.

• Diane's early aspirations were shaped by her immigrant background.

• Leaving home at a young age led Diane to pursue her dreams.

• Tele-retail became a platform for Diane to showcase her talent.

• Diane's personal struggles fueled her desire to create a fashion line for middle-aged women.

• The loss of her husband was a pivotal moment in Diane's life.

• Diane's battle with breast cancer taught her resilience and gratitude.

• She emphasizes the importance of aftercare in the healing process.

• Diane challenges ageism and advocates for the value of older generations.

• Her journey reflects the power of reinvention and self-discovery.

• Diane's future goals include inspiring others and fighting ageism.

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