The over 70s models tearing up the runway

Prue Leith leads the way for a more inclusive catwalk

Models over 70
Millie Jackson
Millie JacksonContent Managing Editor
April 4, 2024
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Dame Prue Leith took to the catwalk this week during the 20th anniversary show for VIN + OMI, a sustainable fashion brand that makes clothes in partnership with King Charles, using waste materials from his estates. 

The 84-year-old TV presenter and Bake Off host brought a vibrant pop of colour to the runway, wearing a fun pink coat over her matching dress. In typical Prue style, the look was accessorized with a colourful chunky necklace and her signature red-framed glasses. 

Prue Leith, wearing a pink robe and white dress, walks on a checkered floor, smiling.© Getty

"When we started 20 years ago, we made a very conscious decision to be totally inclusive at VIN + OMI and we mean it!" designer Vin exclusively told HELLO! "Prue was just fantastic in every way. She may have walked a little slower than the 17-year-olds, but I did catch her jogging to catch up a couple of times. She is an inspiration and everyone fell in love with her."  

Prue is not alone in keeping up the catwalk career over 70. She joins a host of women who have defied ageism to keep modelling into later life.

Here are some of their most memorable catwalk moments. 

Catwalk models over the age of 70

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson walks the runway in a gold satin gown with a large bow.© Getty

Beverly Johnson was the first Black woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974, and she remains one of the few Black models over 70 making catwalk appearances. She is radiant in this gold dress while walking for the Dennis Basso Show at New York Fashion Week aged 70. 

Lauren Hutton

Lauren Hutton walks the runway in a green dress, white coat, and orange boots.© Getty

American model and actress Lauren Hutton walked for Valentino in 2019 aged 75.

Gigi Hadid and Lauren Hutton walk together down a runway at a fashion show.© Getty

She also walked arm-in-arm with fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid two years earlier at the Bottega Veneta Spring Summer Fashion Show. The actress has appeared on the cover of Vogue no less than 26 times. 

Maye Musk

Maye Musk walks the runway in a green blazer and pink skirt at a fashion show.© Getty

The mother of tech billionaire Elon Musk is a model powerhouse. At 75 years old, Maye Musk's modelling career is going strong. In February she walked the Runway during New York Fashion Week. 

Charlotte Rampling

Charlotte Rampling walks confidently in a navy suit on a runway, hand in pocket.© Getty

Charlotte Rampling has still got it. The Dune actress walked the runway for Alexandre Mattiussi Menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week in 2023 a few weeks before her 77th birthday.  

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren walks a runway in a silver sequined gown, smiling.© Kristy Sparow

Oscar winner Helen Mirren, 77 at the time, also took to the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week for "Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris - Walk Your Worth".  

Carmen Dell'Orefice

Carmen Dell'Orefice in a red, elaborate costume with a crown-like headpiece, standing on stage.© Getty

Carmen Dell'Orefice, widely considered the world's oldest working supermodel, stole the show at the Guo Pei Spring Summer show in 2017 aged 85, wearing this incredible red dress and cape. She's both ethereal and regal, showing the benefits of a 79-year career in fashion, having started out at just 13 years old. 

Daphne Selfe

Two women with long white hair walk down a runway at a fashion show.© Getty

Daphne Selfe strode proudly down the runway at the first Fifty Plus Fashion Week in London back in 2016, sporting a monochromatic look with white fringing. She was 87 years old! 

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart holding a magazine with her cover in a gold sequined dress at an event.© Getty

An honourable mention goes to Martha Stewart, who became the oldest cover model in history last year, posing for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at 81 and proving a bikini body is a bikini body at any age. 

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