In a world where early retirement often seems like the ultimate goal, there are those rare individuals who defy this norm by continuing to work passionately well into their later years. One such remarkable individual is Carmen Dell’Orefice, 93, celebrated as the world’s oldest working model. Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey and the lessons we can learn from her enduring career.
From humbling beginning to Vogue fame.
Carmen Dell’Orefice’s story began when she was discovered at the tender age of 13, in 1944. It’s hard to believe that such a fashion icon could come from such humble beginnings. Growing up, her family faced significant financial struggles. Modeling was just a glimmer of hope in a rather challenging upbringing.
Her first attempt at fashion was far from glamorous. In fact, it was an epic flop. But, as they say, the road to success is often paved with failures.
Just two years after her initial setback, Carmen graced the cover of Vogue at the age of 15. This was a monumental moment, marking the beginning of a legendary career in the fashion industry.
In 2023, Carmen was featured on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia, making her the oldest working model in the world. Her timeless beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences globally.
She faced life’s hurdles, from financial struggles to failed marriages.
Carmen’s early life was fraught with financial difficulties. Her modeling work barely supported her family, so she and her mother also worked as seamstresses to make ends meet. This challenging period taught her resilience and perseverance.
1Her marriage to Bill Miles in the early 1950s added another layer of hardship. Miles exploited her career, collecting her modeling agency checks and giving her a mere $50 from her earnings. Yet, Carmen remained steadfast and continued to rise above these challenges.
Carmen then chose to marry photographer Richard Heimann. However, their marriage was also short-lived. When Carmen stepped away from the modeling industry in 1958, Richard left her.
Facing financial difficulties, Carmen Dell’Orefice made a bold comeback to modeling in 1978. Within just a few years, she was back on the covers of top fashion magazines, showcasing her timeless elegance. Ever since, she has been tirelessly working, featuring in numerous magazines, spearheading advertising campaigns, and strutting down catwalks for prestigious fashion brands.
She shared her secret to timeless beauty and longevity.
One of Carmen’s profound insights into maintaining beauty and longevity is the importance of self-care and self-love. She once said, “Men and women should care for themselves and love themselves. One of the secrets to maintaining beauty is doing what you do for a baby, nurturing and feeding the baby with love. That’s what we should do with ourselves: nurture ourselves, love ourselves, and give that kind of energy to ourselves.”
Carmen embraces aging with grace and dignity. She has never shied away from her age. Instead, she has used it to her advantage, proving that beauty truly knows no age.
Carmen’s unwavering passion for modeling teaches us that retirement is not an obligation but a choice. If you love what you do, there’s no reason to stop, no matter how old you are. Her life is a testament to resilience. Despite numerous challenges, she has continued to thrive, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle.
Another inspiring supermodel is Daphne Selfe, 96, who still makes waves in the fashion industry and hasn’t given any sign of stopping yet. Read her story here.
My Brother Kept Insulting My Husband for Being “Just an Electrician”, I Wanted to Teach Him a Lesson, but Karma Did It Better
Growing up, my brother and I couldn’t be more different. Even though we were born into a family of successful professionals, our personalities and paths diverged. While I ended up marrying a successful electrician, my brother, Jack, never quite shook off his lawyer persona.
Our upbringing was comfortable, thanks to our hardworking parents. Dad ran his own business, and Mom was a brain surgeon. But Jack always had a knack for flaunting his wealth, despite never making the effort to start his own law firm.
In contrast, I preferred a more low-key lifestyle, running my own successful business. My husband, Mark, was the real success story, though. He was not just an electrician but a savvy businessman who had attended business school to turn his skills into a thriving enterprise.
Despite our success, we kept our wealth private and lived modestly. Mark was particularly generous, channeling a significant portion of his income into charity and investments.
Our family dynamics came to a head one day when Jack couldn’t resist bragging about his lavish lifestyle and poking fun at Mark’s profession. It was the final straw for me, but before I could teach him a lesson, karma stepped in.
During a family barbecue, Jack’s beloved Porsche was repossessed, revealing his financial downfall. He had lost his job and was struggling to make ends meet. It was a humbling experience for him, and he realized the value of hard work and humility.
In the end, Mark offered Jack a job at his business, teaching him the value of honest work. Jack accepted the offer, and with time, he transformed into a better person, leaving behind his arrogant ways.
Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons when we least expect it. Jack’s downfall was a wake-up call for him, and with the support of our family, he was able to turn his life around for the better.
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