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.
Rescuers Noticed Cries Coming From A Cardboard Box And Couldn’t Believe What They Found In It
Our pups are our precious family members and we can’t imagine our life without them. They are our true friends and the time we spend with them is the best part of our day.
They deserve all the love in this world and we do our best to make them happy.
Sadly, there are some heartless dog owners who don’t feel the same way about their canines. They cruelly abandon them and leave them on the streets.
Indigo was one of the puppies who was rejected by her owners. She was just a few days old when was separated from the loving arms of her mom.
Her cruel owners placed her in a cardboard box and dumped her on the streets at night. The adorable fur baby kept crying, wishing to be with her mom. She was frightened and she missed her mom’s sweet cuddles.
Saving A Precious Life
Source: RoyalPet
The next morning, a Good Samaritan found the little fur baby. When she heard her crying, the woman felt brokenhearted. The newborn puppy needed her mom more than ever.
The woman contacted the local shelter, and the rescuers came to save the puppy. She was placed in a foster home.
The baby felt exhausted and weak after spending the whole night on her own. Her foster mom took great care of the pooch and she bottle-fed her.
Soon, she noticed that something was wrong with the pup’s eyes. The baby seemed to have cataracts.
Her foster mom was saddened after she realized that eye disease was the reason why her owners separated her from her mom.
It was extremely difficult to console the little puppy. All she wanted was to be with her mom.
Source: RoyalPet
The fur baby’s caregiver became worried when she saw that the puppy had diarrhea. She consulted with the doctor and they prescribed her the medicine she needed. After taking the medicine, the puppy felt better and she fell asleep.
The pup’s foster mom had her own dog, Stefani, and he watched over the puppy, too. He sat next to the newborn, making sure the cats wouldn’t wake her up. Seeing her dog look after the little baby warmed the woman’s heart.
Source: RoyalPet
She wrapped the baby in a blanket and kept her warm. She breathed a sigh of relief after she noticed that the puppy’s diarrhea had stopped.
While the pup’s foster mom tenderly stroked the delightful pup, she felt at peace.
Stefani continued keeping an eye on the little baby, especially while the pup was sleeping. He wanted to make sure she wouldn’t fall down.
The Puppy Continues Thriving
Source: RoyalPet
The woman named the baby Indigo, and she gave her toys to play with. The delightful canine enjoyed playing with her toys and rolling in her bed.
As time passed, Indigo continued thriving and growing. When she was twenty days old, she was able to eat on her own.
Indigo’s foster mom was concerned because the puppy couldn’t see clearly. She wasn’t sure if Indigo’s eyes would heal.
She took the pooch to see a specialist who told her that surgery wouldn’t help Indigo. The puppy was prescribed medicine.
Source: RoyalPet
Indigo’s foster mom brought Indigo home, and made sure she took her medicine on time. She continued taking excellent care of the pup and doting on her.
When she noticed that Indigo was able to see more clearly, Indigo’s foster mom realized that the medicine had worked. She was over the moon.
Indigo felt safe and happy, soaking up all the love her foster mom gave her. She blossomed into a beautiful dog.
We are grateful to the Good Samaritan who found her and to her foster mom for showering her with the love and care that she deserved.
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