There was a time when the runway belonged strictly to teenagers with cheekbones so sharp they could cut glass and zero life experience behind their eyes. Mature models were relegated to the occasional moment or nudged towards the high-street catalogues. But during London Fashion Week, experience took centre stage.
Women in their second act aren't just watching the shows; they are owning the catwalk. From the heritage tailoring houses of Savile Row to the high-octane drama of Alexander McQueen and the historic London Fashion Week debut of high-street giant Marks & Spencer, designers sent a loud, resounding message: true beauty only gets better with age.
Seeing women over 45 - glorious with silver waves, natural laughter lines, and unshakeable confidence - strutting past front rows packed with international editors is nothing short of exciting. Whether it was legendary supermodels returning to reclaim their crowns or silver-haired fashion icons proving that tailoring looks infinitely better when worn by a woman who knows who she is, these catwalk moments were a love letter to midlife power.
Erin O'Connor walked the runway at the Roksanda show during London Fashion Week
For every woman navigating her own second act, this runway movement is the ultimate green light to throw out any lingering doubts about "dressing your age." Fashion is no longer about trying to look younger; it’s about looking, feeling, and stepping out as your most powerful, unapologetic self.
British supermodel legend Erin O'Connor, 48, brought unadulterated couture drama to the Marks & Spencer catwalk. Erin commanded the stage in a magnificent, jet-black satin cocoon coat featuring a dramatic, high-funnel collar that sculpturally frames her face. Styled with a sleek, slicked-back hairstyle and statement black beaded earrings, Erin proves that true catwalk power only deepens with time
Former Miss Polonia turned fashion muse Bogna Sworowska, 59, lit up the Banshee of Savile Row showcase in an exquisite red and white textured bouclé coat. The double-breasted silhouette ankle-length coat features black button accents and structured shoulders that cut a commanding line. Bogna gave the heritage piece a cool, contemporary twist by styling it with a thick velvet choker featuring a crystal buckle, allowing her silver-grey waves to tumble freely over the collar. It’s a triumphant lesson in how rich textures and statement outerwear can instantly transform your autumn wardrobe.
Walking for Labrum London, mature model icon Cheryl Freeman, 58, brought pure artistic warmth to the runway. Cheryl wore a high-neck, sleeveless taupe sheer knit top tucked into a high-waisted white gathered midi skirt. The skirt was the star of the show, adorned with colorful hand-embroidered tropical market scenes and palm tree motifs. Styled with dark leather mules and her signature long dreadlocks cascading over her shoulders, Cheryl looked incredible
Closing out her catwalk run for Marks & Spencer, Karen Elson, 47, dazzled the audience in an intoxicating black sequin slip dress. The V-neck dress features delicate spaghetti straps and a fluid, liquid-metal drape that catches the light with every step. M&S showed how a light-catching black slip dress paired with natural, cascading red curls and minimal jewelry can look glamorous at any age.
Legend Erin O'Connor, 48, reminded everyone why she remains one of the most celebrated muses in fashion history. With her signature dark crop and regal posture, Erin commanded the catalk with effortless power, proving that high-fashion drama only becomes more magnificent as a woman steps into her prime.
Supermodel Jodie Kidd, 47, made a triumphant return to the runway for Marks & Spencer, exuding cool, unbothered confidence. Jodie walked in a luxurious dark chocolate brown leather trench coat left unbuttoned to reveal a playful flash of olive-green lace bralette underneath. The longline coat was paired with a matching high-waisted brown leather midi skirt, a suede structured handbag, and oversized tortoiseshell aviator sunglasses. It’s an empowering, slightly rebellious outfit formula that proves midlife style should always include a touch of rock-and-roll attitude.
Fashion legend Karen Elson, 47, brought dramatic dark romance to the McQueen runway. Karen looked ethereal yet fierce in a dusty rose-pink satin floor-sweeping gown with a subtle thigh-high slit. What gave the soft, draped silk its razor-sharp edge was the polished silver metal harness - featuring a high choker collar, vertical chest strap, and double buckle belts cinching her waist. Framed by her iconic flame-red curls and soft smoky eyes, Karen delivered a masterclass in contrasting delicate fabrics with strong, armored accessories.
Making another sensational appearance during London Fashion Week, Cheryl Freeman, 58, walked the Marks & Spencer catwalk in the ultimate loungewear-meets-eveningwear ensemble. She wore a rich burgundy satin kimono-style wrap jacket featuring plush black velvet floral embroidery, framed by a contrasting black silk shawl collar and waist tie. Paired with sleek black leather trousers and pointed suede flats, Cheryl demonstrated how sumptuous silk layers and relaxed tailoring can look infinitely elegant for evening entertaining at home or out.
Showcasing the incredible versatility of the Marks & Spencer centenary collection, Kirsty Hume, 49, walked the catwalk in a tailored black double-breasted longline coat. The coat was styled open to reveal a gorgeous pop of colour - a lime-green lace skirt underneath. With her long, sleek silver hair falling straight down her back and a fresh-faced beauty look, she offered a timeless example of how a sharp black coat can instantly be a hit for autumn.
At the Banshee of Savile Row presentation, silver-haired model Catherine Brook, 52, offered a captivating vision of modern tailoring. Wearing a deep plum-burgundy corduroy double-breasted suit jacket, Catherine nailed heritage luxury. The rich texture of the corduroy was elevated by a fluid, snow-white silk pussybow scarf tied gently at the neck. But it was her magnificent cascading silver-grey curls that stole the scene, framing a radiant, natural beauty look.
Among the standout mature models was Suzi de Givenchy, 59, showcasing a sleek black satin bomber jacket during the Marks & Spencer catwalk show. With its dramatic high-zip collar and voluminous balloon sleeves, her look proves that high-street style can look just as elevated, sharp, and high-fashion as any luxury designer label.
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