I'm not brave enough to use older models: Miuccia Prada, one of fashion's most powerful figures, won't stand up to ageism

Designer says beauty is 'boring' and' 'ugly is attractive'
Identifies that growing old is a problem for industry leaders
Says 'We should find a solution' and 'no-one wants to age'
Designer won't use older models though, citing 'rules' of commercial world

PUBLISHED: 13:37 EST, 29 May 2013 | UPDATED: 16:13 EST, 29 May 2013

View
comments

A brave and outspoken 'leftist feminist', Miuccia Prada is one of fashion's biggest figureheads.

Though in a recent interview, while she makes bold statements about not needing to love yourself and embracing ugliness, the designer seems unwilling to act on ageism - a challenge which concerns her personally.

'[Our era’s obsession with youth] is much more of a drama for women, the business of ageing. No one wants to age, and I really think we should find a solution. Especially because we live so much longer,' she says.

Miuccia Prada, pictured last year, says aging is something we 'should find a cure' for

When posed with the question of 'why not use older models?' the leading fashionista washes her hands of responsibility.

'Mine is not an artistic world, it is a commercial world. I cannot change the rules,' she tells T Magazine.

More...

Posed with the notion that if she sent an 'old lady' down the catwalk, she would effectively start a trend and others would follow suit, she retreats further.

'Let’s say I’m not brave enough. I don’t have the courage,' she says.

Pictured with Great Gatsby cast for whom she designed costumes, Prada says 'ugly is attractive'

The heavily beaded flapper dresses will be on display at the Prada New York Epicenter until 12th May

These are bold and baffling words from an otherwise unapologetic and feisty businesswoman.

Prada has dressed the most stylish characters of the decade in the Great Gatsby proving her ever relevance in today's fashion world.

Ever flourishing, the company recently boasted of opening new stores and expanding existing ones. The brand, which lies comfortably in a market untouched by the recession, is ranked number six luxury brand by top consulting firm Millward Brown.

Older models are not off-limits for other brands though.

Octogenarian Carmen Dell'Orifice is still in high demand for catwalk shows and campaigns

We recently saw fashion's favourite (and oldest) silver-haired model Carmen Dell'Orefice, 81, walk for Alberta Feretti. She also walked multiple times in New York Fashion Week last year.

Hipster retailer American Apparel got some positive press a few months ago when they cast senior citizen Jacky in recent campaign Advanced Basics. A modelling novice, they discovered her walking down a New York street.

Maybe old is the new ugly.

American Apparel spurred on positive hype with their ad campaigns featuring new, older model Jacky

Add your comments

Comments (36)

The comments below have not been moderated.

View all

Isn't business all about taking risk and being the first with a temporary competitive advantage?

- Just call me queen. , Over the hill and far away, Monaco, 30/5/2013 14:36

Click to rate Rating 5

I have been banging on about this for years. I simply do NOT understand why luxury brands dont market to the people who can afford to buy their goods. It is offensive to me as a 40+ woman that the company from whom I buy most of my clothes does not use models my age to advertise them'! The implication is that we middle aged women are not attractive and given the photos of those stunning women above, that is utter BS! Wake the heck UP!

- moi , moiland, 30/5/2013 12:11

Click to rate Rating 24

If an advert tells you you are great just threat you are they'd have nothing to sell you.

- Sue , London, 30/5/2013 11:57

Click to rate Rating 3

Actually, she used several older famous Italian male actors in her recent shows in Milan.

- Bess , Mayfair, 30/5/2013 10:05

Click to rate Rating 6

This is why the 50+ ladies are struggling so much with fashion. We need designers to think outside the box and create everyday clothes for more mature people with a thought given to shops on the high street. As a lady in this age group I love fashion but the majority of clothes I try on are unsuitable. Please spare a thought for us ...... We're not over the hill yet !!!

- Molly , Leics, 30/5/2013 09:50

Click to rate Rating 26

Ageing is a state of mind it doesn't require a cure just an attitude adjustment. You only have one life and one body so if you take the best possible care of your health the rest will follow. Carmen Dell'Orifice is awesome, if you think she's airbrushed google her.

- StowTrini , London, United Kingdom, 30/5/2013 09:27

Click to rate Rating 16

- StowTrini , London, United Kingdom, 30/5/2013 09:27

Click to rate Rating 2

I'm not brave enough to use older models -Miuccia Prada____________________Translated: "I dont want to use older models but I'm scared of the backlash if I say what I really mean"??

- Karen , Stoke England, United Kingdom, 30/5/2013 09:14

Click to rate Rating 23

Prada is wrong. She can rewrite the rules. It's a shame that she prefers money to actually doing something important.

- Jane , London, 30/5/2013 09:09

Click to rate Rating 30

Carmen Dell'Orifice is beautiful in that Rolex picture! - Nerdette , Texas........ And of course she wasn't air brushed at all !!!!!

- Aggie C , Kalkara, Malta, 30/5/2013 08:43

Click to rate Rating 4

Share this comment

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.