Guess what? Sophisticated fashion models well past their 20s are in! Thanks to the demand to reach baby boomers who like to see themselves reflected in ads.
Look as this lineup, Claudia Schiffer, 38, for Chanel and Ferragamo, Christy Turlington, 39, for Escada, and Naomi Campbell, 38, who recently replaced 34-year-old Kate Moss as the face of Yves Saint Laurent.
“The market for older models has exploded,” said Ginni Conquest, co-director of the sophisticated women’s division at Wilhelmina Models in New York, to the Los Angeles Times. “It’s our fastest-growing area, and it’s a first for the industry.”
This new trend is being driven by baby boomers who contribute $2 trillion dollars in spending power and account for one-quarter of the population. The fast moving trend has even prompted Laura Harris in her 40s to return back to modeling.
Don’t get confused this popularity is not just found among high-end designers. In September, retailer J. Crew plans to feature 58-year-old model Pia Gronning in its Web catalog. Also earlier this summer, TV Land ran a reality series called “She’s Got the Look” featuring women over the age of 35 competing for a modeling contract.
Runway veteran Carmen Dell’Orefice noted as the world’s oldest working model is leading the way. Looks like sophisticated ladies are here to stay!