Fashion season is about to kick off again this week with the rolling mass fashion action starting in New York, moving to London (where I will be waiting), then off to Milan and finally concluding in just over a month in Paris. In that time, a significant number of designers will present their collections on hundreds of models in a bunch of weird and wonderful locations. And among them will be an honour roll call of models who are over 40 years of age.
Already in the past year Stella Tennant has become a fixture for Chanel, together with Inès de la Fressange who is in her 50s. Carmen Dell'Orefice will be 80 next birthday but is also still walking regularly — and guaranteeing headlines for the designers.
Lauren Hutton (67) walked for Tom Ford last year and is due to be booked again this year, and Elle Macpherson made a dazzling turn for Louis Vuitton last year and is still booking covers. Joining them on the ramps this season are Kristen McMenamy (44), Carol Alt (50) and 43-year-old ex-Victoria Secret model Frederique van der Wal.
Not only is this great news for the older woman, re-emphasising the fact that older no longer means invisible or unattractive, but it is also indicative of the confidence and style of designers who see their fashion on women of any age. All told, this is good news. Bravo.