“A Woman Who Overcame Difficult Divorces And Lots Of Life Challenges, But Managed To Become The Oldest Supermodel”: What Does Carmen Dell’Orefice Look Like At Her 93?
In a society where early retirement is often considered the ultimate achievement, there are exceptional individuals who challenge this norm by continuing to pursue their passions well into their later years. One such remarkable figure is Carmen Dell’Orefice, the world’s oldest working model at 93. Her extraordinary journey offers valuable lessons about resilience and dedication.
Carmen Dell’Orefice’s career began in an unlikely way. Discovered at just 13 in 1944, she emerged from a background marked by financial hardship. Her early modeling attempts were far from successful, and her initial foray into fashion did not meet with acclaim. Yet, as the saying goes, failure is often a stepping stone to success.
By 15, Carmen had made a significant breakthrough, appearing on the cover of Vogue. This pivotal moment launched what would become a storied career in the fashion industry. In 2023, Carmen’s enduring charm and grace were showcased once again when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia. Her continued presence in the modeling world stands as a testament to her timeless beauty and elegance.
Carmen’s early years were marked by struggle. Her modeling income was insufficient to support her family, so she and her mother worked as seamstresses to make ends meet. These experiences instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and perseverance.
A key to Carmen’s enduring beauty and vitality, she believes, is self-care and self-love. She has shared her philosophy: “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 Dell’Orefice embraces aging with grace and dignity. Rather than shying away from her age, she has used it to her advantage, demonstrating that beauty transcends age.
Her unwavering passion for modeling teaches us that retirement is not a requirement but a choice. If you are passionate about what you do, there is no reason to stop, regardless of age. Carmen’s life is a powerful example of how determination and love for one’s work can help overcome adversity and defy expectations.
