Who said models have a short shelf life?

New York Fashion Week has called a clutch of veteran models out of retirement to walk its shows this week.

The class acts are not only holding their own against the twig-legged under-20s, they are actually stealing the show.

Carol Alt (52) and Carmen Dell-Orefice (81) took over the catwalk at Norisol Ferrari, and Zac Posen managed to wheedle Naomi Campbell (42) into walking for him. Dell-Orefice later hit the catwalk again for Marimekko, of Finland.

Not be outdone, more recent model superstars Alex Wek (35) and Erin O'Connor (34) also appeared for Posen.

Dell-Orefice recently told Today: "I don't know if it's good or silly. It's what I enjoy doing, and I'm able to do it."

"I think America may be growing up and accepting the fact that the bulk of life exists beyond 50. Because demographically... the vast population is over 50."

Corinne Nicolas, from Dell-Orefie's agency Trump Model Management, told the programme her presence helped redefine what society defines as beautiful.

"She's an idol."

With girls as young at 10 now modelling women's clothing, it's nice to see a celebration of beauty as any age.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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