Older women are playing an increasingly important role in the fashion world, revolutionising traditional norms and redefining beauty standards.
The power of older models
More and more brands are including senior models in their advertising campaigns and catwalk shows. Iconic figures like Iris Apfel is an American fashion icon, famous for her bold, eccentric and unique style. Known for her eccentric and daring style, she is famous for her oversized round glasses, gaudy jewellery and love of colour and pattern. In her later years, she has become an influential figure in the fashion industry, appearing in advertising campaigns and inspiring collections of clothing and accessories. In 2016, Le Bon Marché paid tribute to her with an exhibition to mark her 94th birthday.
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Carmen Dell’Orefice is an American model and actress born in New York. She is world-renowned for her exceptional career in fashion, which spans more than seven decades. She is often considered one of the most iconic and enduring models in the history of the industry.
The new face of the internet is Margret Chola, nicknamed ‘Legendary Glamma’. From her rural village in Zambia, she shows us on Instagram her energy and her extravagant, highly crafted style. The story began with her granddaughter Diana, a stylist based in New York, who decided to showcase her during her visit after the death of her grandfather. She now has 141,000 followers, including Rihanna, Viola Davis and former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld.
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Women over 50 represent a large segment of consumers with significant spending power. In response, brands are adapting their offerings to meet their expectations, promoting clothing that combines comfort, quality and modernity.
A response to a changing market and imposed diktats
In fashion, there are no official age limits, but stereotypes and social expectations can influence how people are perceived or treated according to their age. Traditionally, the fashion industry has favoured youth, with young, slim models at the forefront. However, this has been challenged in recent years. Miss France 2025 is Angélique Angarni-Filopon from Martinique. At 34, she made history by becoming the oldest person ever to be crowned Miss France. Angélique’s victory marked a turning point, as the age limit for the competition has been raised in recent years.
Olivier Rousteing, Artistic Director of Balmain, has regularly challenged convention by showcasing atypical and inclusive figures. This initiative reflects the changing mindset in fashion, where authenticity and diversity play an increasingly important role.
Active in the industry for several decades, these women illustrate this movement and prove that elegance and style are ageless.
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