85-Year-Old Social Media Star Tetsuya To Hold First Solo Exhibition

The power of social media has given stardom statuses to the likes of Chiara Ferragni, Yoyo Cao and Jeffree Star, who've gone on to create lucrative empires in either fashion, beauty or both. The latest star on the rise, however, is a retired 85-year-old chemistry teacher named Tetsuya from Japan. The accidental fame was a result of his grandson Naoya Kudo, posting photos of him styled in clothes from both of their wardrobes on Instagram (@slvr.tty), during a visit earlier this year. Since then, the account has garnered over 125,000 followers and counting.

The junior high school where Tetsuya used to be principal at served as the backdrop for the shoot. Kudo also shot around Tetsuya's home, using his grandfather's farming tools as a prop. "I thought that the contrast between them and high fashion apparels would be interesting." says Kudo, who works in an advertising agency, about the stylistic choices behind the photo series.

Four months after the initial success of his photos on Instagram, Tetsuya will be holding his first ever solo exhibition entitled "Endress Note" featuring 50 works, comprising unpublished photos and videos. A limited edition photo book bound in silver construction materials will also be unveiled and be for sale.

Guests will also be able to purchase exclusive venue-limited goods such as smartphone cases and t-shirts. The exhibition will be open to public for one week only at Japan's pop-up event space SIDE, from 16 September to 22 September.

Click through the gallery for our favourite looks: