In a world where early retirement often seems like the ultimate goal, there are those rare individuals who defy this norm by continuing to work passionately well into their later years. One such remarkable individual is Carmen Dell’Orefice, 93, celebrated as the world’s oldest working model. Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey and the lessons we can learn from her enduring career.
From humbling beginning to Vogue fame.
Carmen Dell’Orefice’s story began when she was discovered at the tender age of 13, in 1944. It’s hard to believe that such a fashion icon could come from such humble beginnings. Growing up, her family faced significant financial struggles. Modeling was just a glimmer of hope in a rather challenging upbringing.
Her first attempt at fashion was far from glamorous. In fact, it was an epic flop. But, as they say, the road to success is often paved with failures.
Just two years after her initial setback, Carmen graced the cover of Vogue at the age of 15. This was a monumental moment, marking the beginning of a legendary career in the fashion industry.
In 2023, Carmen was featured on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia, making her the oldest working model in the world. Her timeless beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences globally.
She faced life’s hurdles, from financial struggles to failed marriages.
Carmen’s early life was fraught with financial difficulties. Her modeling work barely supported her family, so she and her mother also worked as seamstresses to make ends meet. This challenging period taught her resilience and perseverance.
1Her marriage to Bill Miles in the early 1950s added another layer of hardship. Miles exploited her career, collecting her modeling agency checks and giving her a mere $50 from her earnings. Yet, Carmen remained steadfast and continued to rise above these challenges.
Carmen then chose to marry photographer Richard Heimann. However, their marriage was also short-lived. When Carmen stepped away from the modeling industry in 1958, Richard left her.
Facing financial difficulties, Carmen Dell’Orefice made a bold comeback to modeling in 1978. Within just a few years, she was back on the covers of top fashion magazines, showcasing her timeless elegance. Ever since, she has been tirelessly working, featuring in numerous magazines, spearheading advertising campaigns, and strutting down catwalks for prestigious fashion brands.
She shared her secret to timeless beauty and longevity.
One of Carmen’s profound insights into maintaining beauty and longevity is the importance of self-care and self-love. She once said, “Men and women should care for themselves and love themselves. One of the secrets to maintaining beauty is doing what you do for a baby, nurturing and feeding the baby with love. That’s what we should do with ourselves: nurture ourselves, love ourselves, and give that kind of energy to ourselves.”
Carmen embraces aging with grace and dignity. She has never shied away from her age. Instead, she has used it to her advantage, proving that beauty truly knows no age.
Carmen’s unwavering passion for modeling teaches us that retirement is not an obligation but a choice. If you love what you do, there’s no reason to stop, no matter how old you are. Her life is a testament to resilience. Despite numerous challenges, she has continued to thrive, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle.
Another inspiring supermodel is Daphne Selfe, 96, who still makes waves in the fashion industry and hasn’t given any sign of stopping yet. Read her story here.
Angelina Jolie through the years: The star’s life in photos
Angelina Jolie has lived her whole life in front of the spotlight. She was born to father, Jon Voight, and mother, Marcheline Bertrand in 1975. Now, on her 46th birthday, see her evolution through the years in the limelight.
Getty Images
2 of 24
Jolie clings tight to father, Jon Voight, in 1980.
Getty Images
3 of 24
Angelina Jolie, Jamie Haven and Jon Voight attend the Academy Awards in 1986.
Getty Images
4 of 24
Angelina Jolie, Jon Voight, and Jamie Haven at the 60th Academy Awards.
Getty Images
5 of 24
Jolie starts life in front of the camera while modeling a bikini in 1991.
Getty Images
6 of 24
Jolie attends the premiere of “Wallace” in 1997.
Getty Images
7 of 24
Jolie at the premiere of “Gia” in 1998.
Getty Images
8 of 24
Jolie goes blonde for the SAG Awards in 1999.
Getty Images
9 of 24
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton get close at the “Gone in 60 Seconds” premiere. The two were married from 2000 to 2003.
Getty Images
10 of 24
Jolie smolders in a beige dress at the “Taking Lives” premiere in 2004.
Getty Images
11 of 24
Jolie out with baby Maddox in 2003.
Getty Images
12 of 24
Jolie arrives to the Venice Film Festival in 2004.
Getty Images
13 of 24
Jolie beams next to Brad Pitt at the premiere of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” in 20o5. The two began their relationship while filming the movie while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston.
Getty Images
14 of 24
Jolie films “Life or Something Like It” with a platinum blond wig.
Getty Images
15 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the premiere of “God Grew Tired Of Us” in 2007.
Getty Images
16 of 24
Jolie steps out with Maddox and Shiloh in 2007.
Getty Images
17 of 24
Angelina Jolie steps onto the red carpet while pregnant in 2008.
Getty Images
18 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the SAG Awards in 2009.
Getty Images
19 of 24
Jolie out with her children in 2011.
Getty Images
20 of 24
Jolie showing off some leg at the Academy Awards in 2012.
Getty Images
21 of 24
Pitt and Jolie attend the “Maleficent” premiere in 2014. The two filed for divorce in 2016.
Getty Images
22 of 24
Pax Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Netflix Golden Globes in 2018.
Getty Images
23 of 24
Angelina Jolie attends the “Maleficent” premiere with her kids, Vivienne, Zahara, Shiloh and Knox in 2019.
Getty Images
24 of 24
Jolie beams with her daughter, Vivenne, in 2020. While Jolie hasn’t acted in a movie since 2019’s Maleficent, she has stayed in the spotlight as her custody battle with ex, Brad Pitt, rages on.
Leave a Reply