Australian Fashion Week is witnessing a significant shift towards age diversity, as older models return to the runway after years of absence. On Monday, supermodel Gemma Ward, now in her late 30s, opened the show for Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski, marking her first appearance on an Australian runway in over a decade. Ward, who first walked at Australian Fashion Week at age 15, was joined by a cohort of models reflecting a broader age range.
Return of Familiar Faces
Former Victoria's Secret angel Shanina Shaik, now in her 30s, also graced the runway for Carla Zampatti. Shaik, who last walked at Australian Fashion Week in 2016 for Oscar de la Renta, expressed her joy at returning. 'There's such an incredible energy around Australian fashion right now,' she said. 'It's really nice to reconnect with people I've known for years.' Shaik opened and closed the Zampatti show in a black coat and sequined skirt set.
However, the most experienced model at the show was Kate Bell, who has been modeling since before Shaik was born. Bell, now in her 50s, is enjoying a career resurgence. 'I'm walking the most shows that I've walked in Australian Fashion Week ever,' she said. Bell recalls a time when models over 25 were considered too old, but now she sees a broader acceptance.
Industry Evolution
This trend is not limited to Australian runways. In January, Chanel's haute couture show featured many models in mid-life and beyond. International shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris have also embraced older models, from silver-haired models at Tom Ford to Alicia Silverstone in the audience at Alaia.
Shaik believes the broader age range has improved backstage atmosphere. 'There's less pressure to fit into one mould and more appreciation for women at different stages of life and career,' she said. Bell agrees but thinks the industry still has progress to make. 'There's a lot more mature models that could be in the mix,' she said.
Designer Perspectives
Designers like Toni Maticevski cite the appeal of reflecting their customer base. 'My brand is diverse, it's not pinned to a single woman,' he said. Maticevski maintained longstanding relationships by personally asking models he has worked with for 15 to 20 years to be in his show.
Bell notes that her busy schedule demonstrates how perceptions of women over 40 have changed. She rejects labels like 'classic' or 'timeless,' preferring to be known for 'confidence, individuality, and self-authorship.'
While most runways have included at least one older model, at the resort wear brand Commas, an unintended participant stole the show: a silver-haired man warming up for his morning swim walked part of the runway before the models.
