Step into the exclusive world of high fashion, where age is merely a number, and showing runway collections in season is reshaping the narrative. We're loving the movement of showing "older" models on the runway so the notable inclusion of iconic supermodels Christy Turlington, 55, and Isabella Rossellini, 71, on the Pucci Spring 2024 runway in all their ageless glory captured our attention and our hearts. (Plus the fact that Pucci designer Camille Miceli chose to show the house's spring collection actually in spring.)
Unveiled in Rome yesterday, Pucci made a strong statement that proved the iconic Italian brand is in touch with its heritage, the new way we shop and, most importantly, is a champion of ageless style. Opting to show a glamorous-beach-meets-evening collection in spring, rather than back in September during the official Spring 2024 season, is just the wardrobe inspiration we need for warmer days ahead. Beyond the delight of the quintessential Pucci swirling signature print caftans, asymmetrical skirts, and chic embellished black dresses and suiting, seeing 90s supermodel Turlington open the show beaming in a loosely-fitted black caftan with a statement sequin neckline was pure joy. While inimitable Italian actress and model Rossellini had the honor of closing the experience, twirling exuberantly on the runway in sartorial splendor in a Vivara print caftan.
Iconic model moments like these reinforce the notion that fashion is to be enjoyed by all and that great style is timeless and ageless. "Fashion has always loved older models, and had this sort of cult of old models. I remember seeing Jane Birkin and Gunilla Lindblad in Martin Margiela's Hermès shows in the 1990s, and Jerry Hall in Mugler shows in the late 1990s, and Pat Cleveland in the 2003 Chanel show," says respected Paris-based fashion journalist and author Dana Thomas, who now writes The Style Files on Substack.
For proof that the cult of iconic supermodels lives on decades after their heyday, think of Linda Evangelista's triumphant return to the Fendi runway in 2022. Then again at age 56 — five years after she retired — to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the brand's iconic baguette bag.
"The 1990s Supermodel era was the last time we really had star models—there have been a few here and there since then, like Gisele Bundchen and the Hadid sisters, but nothing like that time of Linda-Naomi-Christy-Cindy-Kate-Claudia-Helena-Carla-Carmen-Amber-etc. all at once. Their cult is eternal. And when designers cast them, it's both an homage to a more glamorous, highly creative time and a knowing nod to those of us who have been following the business all those years. I don't think it's about diversity in age at all. It's about nostalgia. It enlivens memories of a sexier era," says Thomas, author of Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster and Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes.
Style really is eternal. The much-welcomed appearance of older models on the Fall 2024 runways — over 50 90s-era models, including the likes of Amber Valletta, Carmen Kass, Alek Wek, Eva Herzigová, Maggie Rizer and Laetitia Casta — also featured actresses, influencers and fashion lovers of all ages. Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing paid tribute to ageless style with 20 out of 57 models over 35. "I feel like we often celebrate one kind of beauty in fashion, which is youthful, and I'm worried about that approach," Rousteing told The New York Times backstage after his show. One of the most captivating and age-defying runway shows of the Fall 2024 season was Batsheva and hats off to designer Batsheva Hay for casting only models over 40. She even reclaimed the word "Hag" sending her designer stylist friend Victoria Barlett onto the runway in a black knit emboldened with the word. Barlett admitted backstage after the show she loved the irony and humor and putting the term back in everyone's face.
"Style has no age limit. Neither does fashion. We women who love clothes and love to dress well and play dress up continue to do so throughout our lives. As I turn 74 in 10 days, I realize that my passion for dressing and the joy that playing with clothes gives me is just as intense as it always was," says Tziporah Salamon legendary style icon, model, muse, and author of The Art of Dressing: Ageless, Timeless Original Style
Famously cast in the Lanvin Fall 2012 campaign at 62, Salamon, who teaches The Art of Dressing Masterclass, was pivotal in the movement that has seen fashion designers and runways open up the stage to older models. "I love playing in my HUGE closet filled with antique clothes I have collected since my 30s and discovering new ways to wear them, mixing them with newly acquired pieces. It never gets old. It still thrills me when an outfit comes together to create a work of art."
We couldn't have said it better. In celebration of ageless style, here are a few iconic model moments from the recent collections.
Naomi Campbell
Hot in demand for over three decades, the iconic Naomi Campbell continues to break barriers and show that age is merely a number. At 53, the supermodel continues to captivate the fashion world by closing the Burberry Fall 2024 40th anniversary show in a strapless, shimmery bronze dress and platform combat boots. Not to mention delivering a powerful close for Dolce & Gabbana in a sheer black lace bralette and pencil skirt. Among her many accolades, Campbell will go down in history as the first black woman to grace the covers of Time magazine and French Vogue, opening the door for generations of women to follow in her footsteps.
Kristen McMenamy
A top supermodel in the 90s, Kristen McMenamy, 59, known for her androgynous looks, ethereal translucent skin and long silver hair, electrified the runways of Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood and Thom Browne during the Fall 2024 season. Showing that age and conventional beauty have no place in the world today, the image of McMenamy in a punk-inspired, white cut-out, knee-grazing dress and those gravity-defying plaits at Browne's Edgar Allan Poe-inspired show will live on in our memories as some of the greatest fashion moments in history.
Molly Ringwald
Fresh from her appearance in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, legendary 80s Brat Pack actress Molly Ringwald, 56, star of cult films Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, is busy making a mid-life comeback. Ringwald opened the Batsheva show in a purple, 80s-inspired puff-shoulder midi dress embellished with metal rivets, putting herself and eighties fashion back on the map. Pretty in Purple indeed.
Kristin Scott Thomas
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, 63, made a surprise appearance on the Fall 2024 runways walking for the Miu Miu show, looking the epitome of grace and elegance in a chic timeless gray coat accessorized with a silver brooch. The revered British actress was one of a few iconic actresses, including Ringwald, Absolutely Fabulous' Joanna Lumley and Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, who swapped the stage for the catwalk this past season.
Dr. Qin Huilan
Also taking a star turn on the runway for the Miu Miu show, 70-year-old Shanghai doctor and Miuccia Prada devotee Dr. Qin Huilan has shot to fame on Instagram with her highly addictive outfit of the day posts, which, as you might expect, usually showcase looks from Prada and Miu Miu. After making her catwalk debut, which was enough to melt even the most hardened fashion heart, Huilan took to Instagram to share her joy and send a powerful message. "I also want to encourage everyone who is confused at a certain point, never give up on your dreams! Before the age of 70, I only cared about my patients as a doctor. Who would have thought that at the age of 70, I would be standing here on the runway today?"
Agyness Deyn
An early aughts It girl, British model and actress Agyness Deyn made a catwalk comeback this season opening the Burberry Fall 2024 show in one of the brand's iconic trench coats. One of the top models of her era, Deyn was responsible for igniting the indie sleaze fashion movement with her tomboy style, androgynous features and peroxide pixie.
Susanne Bartsch
The Queen of 80s New York nightlife, glamorous fashion eccentric 73-year-old Susanne Bartsch joined the ranks of icons and mature models who ruled the runways. She had a major fashion moment in a sizzling white pantsuit emblazoned with tiny black stars by designer Christian Cowan proving that even former party girls are always young at heart.
