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86-Year-Old Model Daphne Selfe Lands Vans x & Other Stories Campaign


86-year-old Daphne Selfe and 22-year-old Flo Dron. (Photo: & Other Stories)

By the time they’re grandparents, most models have packed away their old photos in keepsake boxes—or framed their best photos for wistful conversations at cocktail parties—but 86-year-old British model Daphne Selfe, just landed a new Vans x & Other Stories campaign, posing alongside 22-year-old British model Flo Dron. The campaign adds a new twist on classic Vans slip-in sneakers, and it’s no surprise that Selfe’s graceful good looks paired well with the timeless shoe.

86-year-old Daphne Selfe and 22-year-old Flo Dron modeling the Vans shoes. (Photo: & Other Stories)

Daphne Selfe in her early modeling years. (Photo: Instagram)

The grandmother of four began modeling in 1950, but she didn’t start landing campaigns until 10 years ago, when British label Red or Deadasked her to walk in their runway show. The Express noted that she became the national face of “granny-chic” at that moment, and got signed to top London agency Models 1.

Daphne Selfe in the Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign, shot by Mario Testino. (Photo: Dolce & Gabbana)

Since then, she has appeared in Vogue as well as ads for TK Maxx, Nivea, and Dolce & Gabbana where she was shot by famed photographer Mario Testino—just to name a few. She also appeared in inaugural Pop Idol winner Will Young’s “Light My Fire” video in 2002.

Daphne Selfe wearing Balmain in a fashion editorial. (Photo: Instagram)

Selfe told the Express that she struggled with her career in the 1960s, when waif models like Twiggy rose to prominence, while “bigger-boned” models like herself fell to the wayside. “Luckily, without any conscious effort, I lost two stone (28 pounds) and I’ve been about 8st 4lb (116 pounds) ever since,” she said. “I tried to get back into fashion modeling, but I was told in no uncertain terms that I didn’t have the right look.” She started doing extra work in film and television while waiting for her modeling big break. At 5’7” (the same height as Kate Moss) and measurements of 34-28-36, Selfe proves that persistence pays off. With 80-year-old Joan Didion fronting Céline and 69-year-old Helen Mirren fronting L’Oréal recently, older women are being celebrated in ways that aren’t just about beauty. Like Didion, they’re accomplished and wise. Like Mirren, they’re graceful. Like Selfie, they’re effortlessly cool.

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