Models Over 30

  • Melissa Keen

The high fashion modelling industry can be a strict and sometimes cruel business. It is not common to see models over the age of 25 in high fashion, with many models seeking alternative career paths as they get older. 

However, there are some models who have managed to stay in the game despite being over 30. 

Read on to discover models over 30.

Naomi Campbell 

Naomi made a name for herself in the 90s. She was known as one of the ‘Big Six’ along with fellow models Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss. 

Despite being in her 50s, Naomi is seen time and time again in high fashion circles. Even becoming a mother hasn’t slowed her down – she famously returned to work meer days after the birth of her daughter. 

This year, she proved nothing has changed in her 35 years at the top when she walked (and closed) the Michael Kors Fall 2021 fashion show. 

Christy Turlington

Christy also found fame in the 90s, and hasn’t let ageing stop her. She’s 52 now and is more involved with humanitarian work nowadays, but can still sometimes be seen posing for adverts and editorials. 

Elle Macpherson

Australian model Elle was known as “the body” in her heyday, and for good reason! Along with juggling multiple businesses, Elle is often seen on TV and still appears in the occasional advertisement. 

Iman

Iman was well-known not only for her modelling career but for her connection to music icon David Bowie. Now age 66, Iman has her own cosmetics line and can still be found occasionally posing for editorials. She is signed with TESS Model Management and fronted a Harpers Bazaar cover in Jan 2021. 

Alessandra Ambrosio

A household name, Alessandra is known for her long-lasting career as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She still looks incredible, and you can see lots of her current modelling pictures on her successful Instagram page.

Tyra Banks

Tyra rose to fame as a supermodel in the 90s. Now age 47, she’s broken many barriers including being the first African American woman to feature on the cover of GQ, and the first woman to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1996 (remember the famous polka dot bikini?). More recently, she posed again for the magazine in 2019, showing off her incredible bikini body in a bright yellow bikini. 

Is it Difficult to Get Into Modelling Over 30?

We often get asked whether modelling is a young person’s game – and unfortunately, it is. Young models have more opportunities and chances for success compared to older models, particularly if you’re just starting out. 

However, don’t panic – there are still opportunities for models over 30. Those with experience will be favoured (unfortunately, you won’t get far as an aspiring 30+ high fashion model unless you’ve already made a name for yourself).  But the commercial modelling industry is always on the lookout for fresh faces, and they’re far less strict about their requirements. In fact, many need age 30+ models to cater to their clients looking for a more mature model. So you just have to know where to look and apply to give yourself the best chances of success as an older model. 

How to Give Yourself the Best Chance of Success as a 30+ Model

Firstly, start as soon as possible! The younger you are, the better. 

You should also try to gain as much experience as you can. This might mean doing a few modelling shoots for free to build up your portfolio of work. 

You also need to take care of yourself. As we age, our skin wrinkles and often gets dark sun spots. Use SPF now to protect the skin and have a good skincare routine in place to slow down these common signs of ageing. 

You’ll also need to have an excellent exercise regime and diet. As we get older, weight can be more difficult to get off and it can be harder to stay in shape. You’ll need to work even harder to ensure you have the right body and build for the modelling industry. 

The most important thing you can do is not give up. The modelling industry is difficult at the best of times, so you’ll need to be determined to do well regardless of your age. Be smart, do your research and apply to lots of different agencies (remember, you can apply to as many as you want, as many times as you want). With a little patience and an excellent portfolio, you’ll get there!

Seeing Changes

The fashion industry appears to be finally attempting to be more inclusive about its models (check out this article here to see how it should be done). Rihanna’s clothing line Savage X Fenty is pathing the way by including not just older models but also plus-size and even pregnant models. The popularity of her brand is showing other brands that inclusivity is a welcome change to a previously uncompromising, highly exclusive industry. This means there are increasingly more chances for older models, as well as those of different ethnicities and sizes. 

Are you interested in modelling? Want to know more about what it takes? Register with us today!

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Posted by Melissa Keen

Melissa's experience in the beauty and fashion world as a writer and blogger spans over five years. Her other interests include reading, yoga and music.