Mature age models are changing the face of fashion

Alex Pike is the inspiration for a new breed of modelling talent which is moving away from stick-thin youngsters.

Brooklyn Edwards says models like Alex Pike, 44, are changing the face of the business. Picture: Mark Stewart

Cosmetic nurse Alex Pike is an inspiration, says model management titan Brooklyn Edwards.

When Edwards first started an agency 15 years ago at age 21, the appetite was largely for younger, thin models.

Now with her new group, called Brooklyn MGMT, Edwards looks after a wide range of talents including in-demand signing, Pike, a 44-year-old mum of three who is also the girlfriend of former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.

“I reached out to Alex on Instagram — she works, is a mum and manages to do it all,’’ Edwards said.

“Years ago 44 was not an age that was appealing but I’ve already had quite a lot of inquiries about her and her profile is growing.

Model manager Brooklyn Edwards with her client Alex Pike. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I’m a mum of boys as well and she’s inspiring me that maybe my best days aren’t behind me.

“It always used to be about models aged 18-24 but no one cares about flaws anymore, we have all shapes and sizes, ages, genders and ethnicity. We have evolved a lot as an industry.”

Pike has been open about her physical transformation and strong work ethic.

She recently stepped out at her first public event, the opening of the Hyatt Centric Melbourne, but is focused on her business, Face by Alex Pike, and helping other women achieve their goals.

“My main motivator in business is to show my sons my strength and tenacity, and that hard work is needed to reach your goals,’’ Pike said.

Formerly at Brazen Models, Edwards has looked after big names such as Nadia Bartel, Laura Henshaw and Sam Frost.

Currently among her crop are presenter Brodie Young, DJ Andy Murphy, My Kitchen Rules’ Zana Pali plus Pike and her three sons aged 15, 14 and eight.

“We have a family division and they will be a great package,’’ Edwards said.

“I have 100 model babies and I love nurturing and guiding. We also have stylists, actors, content creators, make up artists … we are very boutique and would like to keep it that way.”