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.
Brave toddler agrees to sing national anthem before crowd, only to have 6,000 people on their feet
I’ve always loved theater, and I think it takes a lot of confidence to walk up on stage and sing or act.
To reach to the point where they can act, sing, and dance on stage with ease, adults must practice and train for years.
The child performer you are going to witness is a 3-year-old boy, who is arguably the youngest I have ever witnessed playing the National Anthem. He is not an adult.
He is winning so many hearts with his talent that the video of him singing has already garnered nearly half a million views.
Drake Winslow, age three, is the youngest individual to have ever sung the National Anthem during a Syracuse, New York, School Day game.
This self-assured young performer gave a faultless performance of the song in front of 6,000 spectators.
There was a standing ovation for his outstanding performance.
Drake’s mother, Chelsea, stood behind him throughout his performance and remarked, “I just think he’s too little to realize how big of a deal it is.”
We simply try not to bring it up too often and to be composed for him. He isn’t asked if he feels anxious. Perhaps he won’t consider that after that. He doesn’t truly understand what nervousness is yet.
His mother reports that although her lovely boy enjoys singing in the house, the Star Spangled Banner has always been his favorite tune.
Tip Hero said that he is now eager to sing it once more.
Watch the video below to see Drake’s excellent performance.
What a charming little guy he is. Since it brings so much joy to so many, I hope he keeps doing what he loves.
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