'A million bucks'

Ageless model still slips into vintage wear

By Lee Provost
lprovost@daily-journal.com
708-258-9105
Daily Journal Link

Brooke Shields, watch out. Kankakeean Kathryn Johnson Siedentop may soon be nipping at your hem.

Well, maybe not.

Actually, Siedentop is a 90-year-old who just fills in the best she can; and if the call is to model a dress, well, that is what she will do. It's exactly what she did Sunday afternoon in Ashkum during the village's sesquicentennial vintage style show.

Siedentop modeled a black crepe dress during the celebration. This wasn't just any dress, however. This was the exact dress she modeled 30 years ago.

Designed and sewn by the late Rachael Beadines of Ashkum back in 1922, Siedentop first modeled the dress in a 1976 Lincoln Mall fashion show. At the time, she worked at the mall's J.C. Penny store.

Beadines was so impressed with Siedentop, a former neighbor, that she gave the dress to her. Siedentop modeled the dress once again when Ashkum celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1981.

"I can still get this dress on," Siedentop boasted.

Jackie Meier, the fashion show coordinator, called Siedentop to ask her if she would be interested in participating in the sesquicentennial show. Siedentop said if she could walk, she would do it and she knew just the dress to wear.

"It's a unique dress. I feel like Virginia Slim in it. I feel like a million bucks in this," she said.

Born on March 25, 1916, in Ashkum, Siedentop was just a little girl when the dress was made. But as fashion changes over the years, she said this below-the-knee-length dress could actually be worn today and the person would not be out of style.

Show participants held a rehearsal Wednesday, and everything went well. At age 90, she finds the most difficult part of the show is walking down the stage stairs in the Ashkum Coliseum.

"This is lots of fun. I'm really looking forward to it."

Asked if any other modeling engagements are in her future, Siedentop said if the good Lord is willing, she certainly is.

"I thank the Lord for my health. I certainly can't complain."

Asked what is her key to her health, she noted that she watches what she eats. "Clean living maybe. I don't know."

In all likelihood, she noted, it probably has more to do with genetics that her diet or lifestyle.

As part of the village's celebration, all former and current residents age 90 and over were honored. Siedentop's oldest brother, Steve, 94, now of Watseka, took part.

Another older brother, Harry, died at the age of 54 following a heart attack. He would have been 92 now.