At 85 years young, Carmen Dell’Orefice continues to prove that beauty is truly ageless. She’s an American supermodel, an actress, a muse and an icon — and if you haven’t heard of her yet, now is the time.
As of the spring/summer 2012 season, Dell’Orefice is known for being the world’s oldest working model. At the age of 16, she was on the October 1947 cover of Vogue and has been modeling ever since.
Dell’Orefice and her mother struggled financially, and her modeling income was not enough to sustain the family. With no telephone, Vogue had to send runners to their apartment to let Dell’Orefice know about modeling jobs. She roller-skated to assignments to save on bus fares.
She and her mother have also accomplished seamstresses and made extra money designing and sewing clothes.
In June 2011, Dell’Orefice celebrated her 80th birthday. The following month, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, in recognition of her contribution to the fashion industry.
In the video below, check out the living fashion legend’s recent runway highlights, and hear what she has to say about the definition of beauty.
“I hope I’ve helped women get out of the closet about aging.”
