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.
Candace Cameron Bure does not back down over backlash on ‘inappropriate’ pictures with husband
Candace Cameron Bure has been coming under a lot of scrutiny in the media recently. The actress was recently in the news for her comments about ‘traditional marriage’ that not everyone agreed with.
The actress is now making waves for another reason; a picture she posted with her husband.
Candace Cameron Bure met her husband Valeri Bure in 1994 at a hockey game. And two years later on June 22, 1996, they tied the knot and became husband and wife.
Even though they have been married for over 20 years, the two of them are still very much in love and make sure to keep the spark alive.
The playfulness of their marriage was very obvious from a story Bure posted on Instagram. However, some people mistook the playfulness as ‘inappropriate’ and the actress got a lot of backlash from her audience.
And in the face of backlash, Bure did not back down. She instead doubled down and posted the picture on her feed. She shared two pictures of her and her husband sharing the “sweet and spicy” nature of their relationship. In the second photo, Valerie has an arm around his wife’s shoulder and his hand is resting on her chest.
She was told by fans that the picture was a little too ‘racy’ for her as her stature as a ‘Christian celebrity.’ But the actress had a response for those who were upset. She said, “Sorry if it offended you… I’m actually not sorry,” she said while laughing in a follow-up video shared on her Instagram stories. “I’m glad that we have fun together after so many years.”
She said she was just showing what a “good and healthy marriage” looked like 24 years.
“It makes me laugh because it’s my husband,” she further explained in her follow-up Instagram story video. “He can touch me any time he wants and I hope he does.”
What did you think about Cameron Candace Bure’s relationship with her husband? Let us know in the comments below.
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