Meet Carmen Dell’Orefice who, in addition to having one of the more interesting names I’ve ever seen, is an incredibly striking runway model who walked multiple times during NYFW. She also happens to be an octogenarian. A timeless icon with many instantly recognizable photos, she has continued to defy the traditional mindset that a supermodel’s career is over by the time she hits 30 or so (unless she’s a Victoria’s Secret Angel). Plus, she could be seen with a certain male Olympian who’s been getting more and more recognition for his style lately.
In an industry that glorifies youth and encourages the pursuit of maintaining that youth forever and ever and ever, it’s wonderful to see high fashion designers take an interest in having non-teen/early 20s models participating in their shows. Sure, it could be a publicity thing similar to American Apparel’s, but it doesn’t matter too much to me either way. Hopefully someday, it will become a norm rather than an oh-so-special occasion, but that transition cannot begin without some intense first steps.
My favorite thing about her is the way she looks so natural, like she just obliviously aged this way, without anybody including herself realizing she was getting any older. She also seems like she truly loves what she’s doing. In the shot above of her walk at the 2005 Heart of Truth show in New York, Dell’Orifice looks serene and completely comfortable. Oftentimes, models look stiff or displeased (which is often the desired “look,” so that’s not necessarily on them), so it’s really pleasant to watch a happy person strut down the runway. As a person who can’t even walk in heels properly, I envy her quite a bit.
Lovelies, what do you think about Dell’Orifice’s NSFW appearances?
[via Yahoo]
guest
She is absolutely gorgeous.
guest
Wow, she’s really beautiful! Great posture and confidence does wonders. I know lots of women dye their hair in an attempt to maintain a younger look, but not in her case. Her silver hair does not age her at all! And you’re right, she appears to have aged naturally and gracefully which, to me, is desirable.
guest
what a glorious woman. she embodies what a supermodel should be, even with her age. i feel like using an older person might come off as a gag to get attention, as mentioned. however, she has so much grace, she does not let society do that to her – it’s like the runway was and will always be her home.
sunflower / 300 posts
@babybug329@xanga - I love when older women don’t dye their hair! One of my grandmothers has pure white, very soft curls and it looks so pretty.
guest
@samescobar - Me, too! My paternal grandmother’s hair took several years to go from black to white, she made salt-and-pepper hair feminine yet elegant. I love looking at old pictures of her, she loved trendy looks back in the day.
guest
She is fabulous.
guest
I think it’s awesome that she walked the runway, and she looks incredible.
guest
I hope I’m like her when I’m 81.
guest
She is gorgeous.