Sunday, October 7, 2018

Fashion over Forty







From Left to Right:  Olivia Weber, having studied Musical Theater at Point Park College, Olivia had a successful career as a singer with "Bitter Delores".  She has been modeling for designers locally for three years and has also acted in "The Chronicles of Deadlands", as well as a political commercial she filmed with her son, Greyson.

Dr. Michele Lynn Langbien is a tenured Professor at Point Park University, and also writes for "Thunder Road Magazine".  She is a mom, an advocate for autism, and a model, volunteering at many area charity events.

Lisa Freeman...I have modeled since 18 and have continued to do so for area designers, fashion shows, and television commercials.  I am a VP of a Real Estate Company, a Director on the Realtor's Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Board of Directors, and President of the RAMP Foundation.  My favorite role, that of grandmother to my five grandchildren.

Mindy Miller has been in the modeling industry for about two years, walking the runway for many area designers.  She is also part of Pittsburgh's booming film industry, acting  on both movie and television sets.

Tiyonda Duvall holds a Masters Degree in Education and has a career rich in community involvement. She has modeled for several area fashion shows and is continually pursued by area designers and fashion show to contribute her skills on the runway.  She has modeled in bridal shows, Garbage Bag Gala, Fashion for a Cause, just to name a few!

The Photographer:  Michael Goltz is a fashion, portrait, and event photographer  who works throughout South Western Pennsylvania. His talent has been publishes in many magazines, including Whirl, Thunder Road, and Inspiring Lives Magazine.  Along with his love of photography, he is also an artist who works in the genres of modern art and  byzantine iconography.  He can be reached at  Goltzm@hotmail.com

When Olivia Weber was turned away from a photo shoot, because she didn't fit the "Demographic" she decided to take action.  Olivia, 40, along with fashion photographer Michael Goltz, assembled a group of professional models, all over 40, for a group photo shoot, in order to show the beauty of more mature models. Along with Olivia, her group featured Michele Lynn Langbein, Tiyonda Duvall, Mindy Miller, and myself, Lisa Freeman.


In an era where youth is a highly valued commodity, it is a refreshing change to see the infiltration of models over 40, not just in health care commercials, but in New York Fashion Week and representing high profile designers.

With Lauren Hutton's successful campaign for Alexander Wang in 2015 and her recent contract with H & M, she has proven, at 74, that age is just a number.

Also joining the ranks at 66, Isabella Rossellini has regained her spot as the face of Lancôme. Helen Mirren at 73, was chosen to represent L’Oréal.  Tyra Banks (44), Cindy Crawford (52), Claudia Schiffer (48), and Elle Macpherson (54), all continuing with their established careers.

The amazing Daphne Selfe, who began modeling in 1940 at the age of 21, is still going strong and not giving up any day soon.  Selfe, actually has an online modelling and confidence course at https://www.daphneselfe.com/ where she shares her knowledge and wisdom of the industry.    She continues to grace the pages of major fashion magazines, and was quoted as stating "I don't do retiring”, on July 1, 2018, her 90th birthday.
  
What does this mean for local area models?  Hopefully, a continuation of looking for the beauty, regardless of age, that results in each woman's individuality and uniqueness. With over 110 million people in the United States over 50 years of age, women will want to identify with models both on the runway and in print. 






















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