The fashion world was abuzz at the recent Balmain show at Paris Fashion Week, where creative director Olivier Rousteing paid homage to his childhood home of Bordeaux in a stunning display of creativity and diversity. While the clothes on the runway were undeniably eye-catching, what truly stole the show was the age of many of the models gracing the catwalk.
In a refreshing departure from the industry’s usual focus on youth, Rousteing made a bold statement by casting models who were not just older, but who exuded a sense of wisdom and lived experience. Models like Axelle Doué, 70; Kristina de Coninck, 63; Estelle Levy, 51; and Marie Seguy, 47, strutted their stuff alongside their younger counterparts, challenging traditional notions of beauty and age in the fashion world.
Rousteing explained his decision by stating, “We tend to forget that the future is also held within women that have had a life. For me, that’s what I wanted to show: women that have lived and continue to live their lives, instead of just young girls that have their whole lives in front of them.”
This shift towards greater representation of older models is not unique to Balmain. Across the industry, designers are embracing diversity and inclusivity by featuring women of all ages on the runway. From Vetements to Schiaparelli, and even at New York Fashion Week, older models are becoming a more common sight, reflecting a changing tide in the fashion world.
At Miu Miu, actresses Kristin Scott Thomas, 63, and Ángela Molina, 68, joined forces with Qin Huilan, 70, a Chinese doctor turned social media influencer, to showcase a collection that celebrated the journey from childhood to adulthood. The show’s message of embracing individuality and freedom resonated with Huilan, who took to Instagram to share her excitement about defying age stereotypes and walking the runway at 70.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, the presence of older models on the runway serves as a powerful reminder that beauty knows no age. With designers like Olivier Rousteing leading the way, we can expect to see a more diverse and inclusive future for fashion, where women of all ages are celebrated for their unique beauty and style.
