Fashion Week's Hottest New Models Were Older Women

More models over 50 walked the runways this season than any "in recent memory."
Over 50 and fabulous at Antonio Marras.
Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
Over 50 and fabulous at Antonio Marras.

True style is timeless ― and apparently ageless, too.

There were over four times as many models over age 50 in the Fall 2017 fashion shows as there were employed for Spring 2016, according to theFashionSpot’s newest diversity report. The site tracked statistics of size, race, age and gender for 7,035 models cast in 241 shows over this past fashion month, which ended last week in Paris.

New York Fashion Week led the charge as most diverse overall, but each city contributed a little bit to making the runways more age-friendly this season. According to the report, “21 models over age 50 walked the runways of New York, Paris, London and Milan.”

Age-friendly gorgeousness at Tome.
Estrop via Getty Images
Age-friendly gorgeousness at Tome.

While this might sound like a small number, it’s significant when compared to previous seasons: It’s a whopping 160 percent increase over Spring 2016, when only five were hired. Eleven models over 50 walked in Fall 2016, according to theFashionSpot, and 13 were employed for Spring 2017.

Women in their 50s, 60s and onward turned up more this fashion month than during any season in recent memory,” the report authors wrote.

Jan de Villeneuve, who is 72, exhibited timeless and ageless style at Simone Rocha.
Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
Jan de Villeneuve, who is 72, exhibited timeless and ageless style at Simone Rocha.

In Europe, age inclusivity is happening faster than other factors like size. Only two plus-size models walked in Paris and two in Milan, compared to 26 in New York.

Still, the report called fall 2017 a “banner season” for diversity, signaling that just like the models featured, fashion month just keeps getting better with age.

Breathtaking beauty at Dries Van Noten.
The Washington Post via Getty Images
Breathtaking beauty at Dries Van Noten.

Check out more of the age diversity at fashion month in action below, and head to theFashionSpot to read the entire report.

Kristy Sparow via Getty Images
Vivienne Westwood walked in her own show at Paris Fashion Week.
Estrop via Getty Images
Gareth Pugh, London Fashion Week
Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
Dolce & Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week
Estrop via Getty Images
Gareth Pugh, London Fashion Week
Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
Antonio Marras, Milan Fashion Week
Krista Kennell via Getty Images
J.Crew presentation, New York Fashion Week
Estrop via Getty Images
J. Crew, New York Fashion Week
Catwalking via Getty Images
Creatures of the Wind, New York Fashion Week

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