Carmen Dell’Orefice at 93: How She Overcame Painful Divorces to Reign as the Oldest Supermodel

In a world where early retirement often seems like the ultimate goal, there are those rare individuals who defy this norm by continuing to work passionately well into their later years. One such remarkable individual is Carmen Dell’Orefice, 93, celebrated as the world’s oldest working model. Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey and the lessons we can learn from her enduring career.

From humbling beginning to Vogue fame.

Carmen Dell’Orefice’s story began when she was discovered at the tender age of 13, in 1944. It’s hard to believe that such a fashion icon could come from such humble beginnings. Growing up, her family faced significant financial struggles. Modeling was just a glimmer of hope in a rather challenging upbringing.

Her first attempt at fashion was far from glamorous. In fact, it was an epic flop. But, as they say, the road to success is often paved with failures.

Just two years after her initial setback, Carmen graced the cover of Vogue at the age of 15. This was a monumental moment, marking the beginning of a legendary career in the fashion industry.

In 2023, Carmen was featured on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia, making her the oldest working model in the world. Her timeless beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences globally.

She faced life’s hurdles, from financial struggles to failed marriages.

Carmen’s early life was fraught with financial difficulties. Her modeling work barely supported her family, so she and her mother also worked as seamstresses to make ends meet. This challenging period taught her resilience and perseverance.

1Her marriage to Bill Miles in the early 1950s added another layer of hardship. Miles exploited her career, collecting her modeling agency checks and giving her a mere $50 from her earnings. Yet, Carmen remained steadfast and continued to rise above these challenges.

Carmen then chose to marry photographer Richard Heimann. However, their marriage was also short-lived. When Carmen stepped away from the modeling industry in 1958, Richard left her.

Facing financial difficulties, Carmen Dell’Orefice made a bold comeback to modeling in 1978. Within just a few years, she was back on the covers of top fashion magazines, showcasing her timeless elegance. Ever since, she has been tirelessly working, featuring in numerous magazines, spearheading advertising campaigns, and strutting down catwalks for prestigious fashion brands.

She shared her secret to timeless beauty and longevity.

One of Carmen’s profound insights into maintaining beauty and longevity is the importance of self-care and self-love. She once said, “Men and women should care for themselves and love themselves. One of the secrets to maintaining beauty is doing what you do for a baby, nurturing and feeding the baby with love. That’s what we should do with ourselves: nurture ourselves, love ourselves, and give that kind of energy to ourselves.”

Carmen embraces aging with grace and dignity. She has never shied away from her age. Instead, she has used it to her advantage, proving that beauty truly knows no age.

Carmen’s unwavering passion for modeling teaches us that retirement is not an obligation but a choice. If you love what you do, there’s no reason to stop, no matter how old you are. Her life is a testament to resilience. Despite numerous challenges, she has continued to thrive, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle.

Another inspiring supermodel is Daphne Selfe, 96, who still makes waves in the fashion industry and hasn’t given any sign of stopping yet. Read her story here.

The Secret to Perfect Mashed Potatoes: A TikTok Twist! 

For my family, mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish – they’re a cherished staple that brings everyone together. And while I’ve tried to introduce healthier options, nothing quite compares to the comfort and satisfaction of creamy mashed potatoes. That is until I stumbled upon a TikTok tip that completely transformed this classic dish.

User Jourdyn, known as @jeauxp on TikTok, shared a brilliant twist on traditional mashed potatoes – using chicken stock. Intrigued by this unconventional idea, I decided to give it a try and see if it could live up to the hype.

To my surprise and delight, the results were absolutely phenomenal. The chicken stock infused the potatoes with a subtle umami flavor, taking their taste to a whole new level. And here’s the best part – leaving the skins on while boiling added a rustic texture that was simply irresistible.

Encouraged by this newfound culinary revelation, I continued to experiment. One of my favorite variations was adding sour cream and chives to the mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors was out of this world, and the presentation impressed everyone at the table.

Mashed potatoes with sour cream and chives

But my TikTok culinary journey didn’t stop there. I discovered more incredible tricks along the way. For example, I learned that adding a pinch of nutmeg to spinach can bring a whole new dimension of flavor. And who would have thought that a simple piece of bread could soften hardened brown sugar?

Let me tell you, these unconventional hacks have not only expanded my cooking repertoire but also added a touch of creativity to my meals. It’s amazing how a small twist or unexpected ingredient can completely transform a dish.So, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not consider these unconventional twists the next time you make mashed potatoes? Whether it’s trying out TikTok hacks or experimenting with unexpected ingredients, you never know when you might stumble upon your next favorite recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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