Polski
Until recently, the modeling world was hermetically sealed. Only very young girls with slender figures reigned on the catwalks. Nowadays, there is definitely more diversity, as it is mature models who increasingly present the collections of well-known fashion houses. Metrics no longer matter, it’s just a number. The fashion industry has allowed retired women to return to the forefront here, and amateurs are only now starting to work. The list of names of sought-after women is getting longer and longer, and agencies are trying to meet the demand. “Age plus” or older models is a clear trend that is clearly gaining momentum.
Table of Contents:
- Elegant women and “Age plus” modeling as fashion icons – date of birth no longer matters
- Bogna Sworowska – Polish model and Miss Polonia of 1987.
- Benedetta Barzini – Italian modeling star
- Jan de Villeneuve – model after 80.
- Jackie O’Shaughnessy – actress and mature modeling star
- Carmen Dell’Orefice – one of the oldest actively working models
Elegant women and “Age plus” modeling as fashion icons – date of birth no longer matters
Beauty standards are constantly changing. The fashion industry was closed to diversity for a long time. The breakthrough did not come quickly, it took years. Currently, brands are more willing to hire plus-size women or those over 30. Recently, more and more companies are betting on mature ladies. Age ceases to matter, it is definitely more important for creatives to have personality, self-confidence and innate elegance. Wrinkles, gray hair, a less than ideal figure – these are not a problem, on the contrary, they are an asset, as is a wealth of life experience. Agencies are hiring retired models or looking for new faces. The range of 35 years and above is constantly filling up with more names. Miu Miu, Balmain, Celine, Saint Laurent – these fashion houses are eager to engage mature ladies who walk not only on the catwalk, but also take part in advertising campaigns. Age diversity “age plus” in modeling is a strong trend and becomes more popular every year.
Older models are a deliberate advertising strategy for brands, and a necessity. Companies recognize the aging population, it is natural that the metrics of their female customers are increasing. “Age plus” models are women of all ages. The most famous agencies offer both ladies in their 30s and older ladies in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s. Each successive year shows that mature models prevail when it comes to presenting the collections of well-known fashion houses. Now age is not an obstacle to debut on the catwalk or appear in an advertising campaign.
Bogna Sworowska – Polish model and Miss Polonia of 1987.
Pole Bogna Sworowska was born in 1967. She made her debut in the fashion world at the age of 16. To her credit, she has worked with leading photographers, as well as two titles – 2nd Vice Miss Polonia and Miss Foto. She was the first Polish woman to appear on the cover of the American magazine Playboy. For 15 years she worked at home and abroad, then opened her own image agency, on top of which she was a spokesperson for the TVN station. Bogna Sworowska recently returned to modeling, and after a 30-year absence. The 57-year-old became the face of the lookbook (photos showing clothes and accessories) of fashion house Balenciaga for its pre-fall 2025 collection, on top of which she appeared on more than one runway, including taking part in the Marques`Almeida and Ray Chu show.
Benedetta Barzini – Italian modeling star
Benedetta Barzini was born in 1943. She is one of the first Italian topmodels. She entered the industry by complete coincidence, when she was spotted on the street of Milan by the editor-in-chief of Vogue (the Italian edition). Benedetta Barzini was the muse of Salvador Dali and Andye Warhol. She appeared on the first cover of “Vogue Italia” magazine, and also made her debut as the first Italian woman in the American edition of the magazine. In the 1960s. had a dizzying career in the US, but abandoned it in favor of being a feminist. Model, journalist, educator currently taught fashion anthropology at Milan universities. She returned to the industry in 2016 with her debut on the Simone Rocha runway. The following years brought more shows and campaigns. Benedetta Barzini has won many awards, plus a documentary film was made about her – “The Disappearance of My Mother,” which was directed by her son Beniamino Barrese.
Jan de Villeneuve – model after 80.
Jan de Villeneuve was born in 1945. In the 1960s. she took her first steps in modeling, participated in many sessions, including for Vogue magazine. She has worked alongside top photographers and all over the world. Since the beginning, she has remained faithful to the Models1 agency, with which she is still associated today. Jan de Villeneuve wowed at the Simone Rocha show in 2017. The supermodel’s 50 years of experience in the industry and professionalism are also appreciated by other well-known fashion houses and brands. Despite her advanced age, she does not slow down, works non-stop, and puts her much younger professional colleagues to shame with her successive professional successes.
Jackie O’Shaughnessy – actress and mature modeling star
Jackie O’Shaughnessy is an actress and model with a large body of work. She came to the fashion industry late, as she was discovered at the age of 60. It was then that she became the face of the lingerie brand American Apparel. The advertising slogan from that campaign fits perfectly with the idea of “older models” – “sex appeal has no expiration date.” The mature model’s portfolio also includes numerous catwalk outings and photo shoots. Long hair is her trademark, as is a wide smile.
Carmen Dell’Orefice – one of the oldest actively working models
Carmen Dell’Orefice was born in 1931. The fashion world noticed her very quickly, as early as the age of 13. An American woman appeared on the first cover of Vogue magazine as a 15-year-old (she was the youngest girl to appear on the cover of the “bible of fashion”). She was the muse of Salvador Dali, and a favorite of many designers, including Dior. At the age of 60, once again the industry gave her a chance to make a name for herself. Numerous advertising campaigns and photo shoots proved to be a ticket to the catwalk, the model, despite her age and health problems, constantly shines. She is a true chameleon, as she effortlessly adapts to any conditions. A nude session at the age of 91 is not a problem for her. The modeling legend is very active professionally despite her old age.
