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.
Woman Finds Love After Walking the Streets With a “Looking-for-a-Husband” Sign
In a city known for its bustling streets and diverse population, one woman’s quest for love has captured the attention of many. Karolina Geits, a 29-year-old model living in New York, decided to take matters into her own hands after becoming frustrated with the world of online dating. She took to the streets, armed with a sign that read “Looking for a husband,” in the hopes of finding a genuine connection.
She is looking for a real connection.
Karolina Geits, a 29-year-old beauty influencer, took to TikTok to share her story, which has since gone viral. In a video, Geits is seen strutting around downtown Manhattan with her sign, trusting that a dream lover will miraculously appear.
Geits’ unconventional approach sparked plenty of conversation and even led to a potential match. “I decided to make a sign that says ’Looking for a husband’ and walk around the city to see if that would work,” she said. As she strolled through the streets, her 5-foot-9 frame and striking presence caught the attention of many passersby.
She got tired of noncommittal men on dating apps.
After two years of being single, Geits had had enough of noncommittal men on dating apps. Instead of giving up hope, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create a cardboard billboard with her intention. She then hit the streets of New York City, hoping to make an in-person connection with her soulmate.
She might have met the one.
As Karolina wandered the streets of New York City with her cardboard sign she didn’t have to wait long for a suitor. A gentleman approached Geits, curious about her sign and her quest for love. The two struck up a conversation, and Geits was immediately drawn to his kindness and sense of humor.
“I exchanged numbers with one of the guys in the video — we’ve been talking for the past few days,” she shared. “We’re just getting to know each other,” she said. “It’s still new, but we’ll see where things go.”
Another beauty is following the same stratgy.
Like Karolina Geits, Yael Friedman Naimark has emerged as a woman unafraid to take a bold and unique approach to finding her soulmate. Going beyond the traditional method of looking for love in the streets, she chose to wear a wedding dress as a symbol of her readiness to say “I do” to the right person. While the outcome of her unconventional approach is still unknown, our hearts are filled with optimism, eagerly anticipating the moment when Yael discovers the deep love and pure happiness she deserves.
While we’ve followed these ladies’ journey in her search for love, there’s a vital question we all need to answer within ourselves. Join us in our next article, where we’ll explore 8 Ways to Know If You Truly Love Someone, helping you unravel the mysteries of your own heart.
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