The recent Balmain show at Paris Fashion Week turned heads not just for its stunning designs, but for the diverse range of models who graced the runway. Creative director Olivier Rousteing paid homage to his childhood home of Bordeaux with a collection that featured twisted gold snail shells, metal handbags shaped like clusters of grapes, and rhinestone-encrusted minidresses.
However, what truly stole the show was the age diversity among the models. Rousteing made a bold statement by casting models who were older than the typical fashion industry standard of youth. Models like Axelle Doué, 70; Kristina de Coninck, 63; Estelle Levy, 51; and Marie Seguy, 47, strutted down the runway alongside their younger counterparts.
Rousteing emphasized the importance of celebrating women of all ages, stating, “We tend to forget that the future is also held within women that have had a life.” This sentiment was echoed by other designers at Paris Fashion Week, with a noticeable increase in older models on the runways.
At Miu Miu, actresses Kristin Scott Thomas, 63, and Ángela Molina, 68, walked alongside Qin Huilan, 70, a Chinese doctor turned social media influencer. Huilan, a longtime client of the brand, shared her excitement about breaking barriers and proving that age is not a limitation.
The inclusion of older models in high-profile fashion shows is a step towards greater representation and diversity in the industry. As the fashion world continues to evolve, it is refreshing to see designers like Rousteing and Prada embracing women of all ages and backgrounds on the runway.
