91 Year-Old Model: Carmen Dell’Orefice

Let's delve deeper into the fascinating life and wisdom of Carmen Dell’Orefice, the world's oldest model, and explore her remarkable journey through the fashion industry and her approach to aging with grace.

Carmen Dell’Orefice's enduring beauty and elegance have made her a legendary figure in the fashion world. Born in 1931 in the bustling city of New York, she possessed a unique and captivating allure from a young age. At only 13 years old, fate intervened while she was on her way to ballet class. A keen-eyed modeling agent spotted her on a bus and recognized the potential radiating from her striking features, marked by her prominent cheekbones, flowing white hair, and gracefully long limbs. Thus, began Carmen's extraordinary journey into the glamorous world of modeling.

Her career soared to unprecedented heights when, at the tender age of 15, she graced the cover of Vogue magazine, setting a new record as the youngest model to achieve this prestigious honor. Carmen's ethereal beauty and confident poise charmed the fashion industry, and she became a highly sought-after model for decades to come.

Throughout her extensive career, Carmen Dell’Orefice has weathered both professional triumphs and personal challenges. Her life has been colored by three marriages and, like many others, financial setbacks. Despite experiencing two complete investment losses that left her bereft of her hard-earned money, Carmen displayed unwavering resilience and an unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms.

A testament to her self-love and commitment to self-care, Carmen continues to radiate youthfulness even at the age of 91. She openly shares her five secrets to maintaining her timeless grace and allure. Her skincare routine, which includes daily moisturizing, has been a cornerstone of her beauty regimen. Additionally, Carmen firmly believes in the importance of sunscreen, not only to preserve her radiant skin but also for skin cancer prevention.

While some may raise an eyebrow at her candid admission of enhancing her bone structure with silicone injections over the years, Carmen is unabashedly transparent about her journey. She underwent medical dermabrasion nearly 50 years ago, bravely embracing technological advancements to combat wrinkles and sun damage. Her commitment to self-improvement reflects her optimistic outlook and readiness to embrace change.

In a world where makeup often becomes a crutch for many, Carmen Dell’Orefice stands out by adopting a minimalist approach. She reserves makeup for industry events and photo shoots, allowing her natural beauty to shine through in her daily life.

Carmen's approach to diet and exercise is equally refreshing. Rejecting restrictive diets and calorie counting, she instead embraces intuitive eating, nourishing her body with foods she enjoys. Her creative approach to food is evident, as she finds ways to savor her meals, such as consuming raw spinach to avoid its watery consistency.

As for her exercise routine, Carmen's emphasis lies in gentle care for her body. Regular walking with friends not only helps her maintain cardiovascular fitness but also strengthens her bones and muscles, all without the need for expensive equipment or rigorous training. Additionally, Carmen practices stretching and meditation, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and being attuned to her body's needs.

Beyond the realm of physical beauty, Carmen's wisdom extends to matters of the heart. When it comes to intimacy, she exudes confidence and asserts that it should be as natural as breathing. She compares it to maintaining a valuable car, requiring occasional "turning on the motor" to keep things running smoothly. Her definition of intimacy transcends romantic relationships and embraces the richness of all kinds of connections, including deep friendships that can be as profound as any romantic love.

Carmen Dell’Orefice's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for people of all ages. Her enduring career in the fashion industry, which spans over seven decades, showcases her timeless appeal and unwavering dedication. By embracing self-love, self-care, and flexibility, she continues to thrive gracefully in an industry that often idolizes youth. Her holistic approach to life, including her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, offers valuable insights into aging with beauty, grace, and joy.