‘I started modelling again at the age of 61’: The reality of being a model and mother

RACHEL WALLER

Rachel Waller at New York Fashion Week earlier this year.Credit: Getty

I started modelling in my 20s but only did it for a short time before having the first of my four children. They are now adults and I started modelling again at the age of 61 after a 40-year break.

The beauty of being a working model and a mother to grown children is that I can stay with my daughter in New York when I walk New York Fashion Week. And my professional cyclist son, who lives in Spain, comes to Paris when I walk Paris Fashion Week.

No one was more surprised than me when my modelling career took off again in my 60s. Once the inclusivity and diversity of the runway in America was repeated in Europe, it had a knock-off effect. I found there was a lot more interest in me as a mature model and mother. People want to see accurate representations on catwalks and in campaigns.

I definitely owe my success to my relatability – I look after myself but have grey hair and wrinkles. It’s a privilege to be doing this at this age and stage in life.

NIKKI PHILLIPS

Nikki Phillips makes her career work around her kids.

I started modelling in New Zealand in 1998 after winning a competition and my career is constantly changing. Some pinch-me moments include walking the international runway for Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and Versace. I walked alongside Gisele Bündchen when she was at the start of her modelling career.

I look back now and wish I’d had more confidence and respect for myself and my body back then. There was a lot of body dysmorphia – everyone commented on your flaws rather than what was great about you. Now it’s more on my terms. I’m almost 41, with three children, and I make my career work around their needs.

Yes, my body has changed since having children, but I want to show my kids that I respect my body for all it’s been through and done.

Doing shoots and working on creative content mean my life is organised chaos. Some days I nail it, other days it’s an absolute mess. The kids teach me patience and resilience. I had four miscarriages before we started our family, so being a mum to Jett, 7, Luca, 5, and Billie Rose, 2, is my top priority.

VIOLETA ZUVELA

Violeta Zuvela says being a model in her 50s is a thrill.

I became a model at 17 but gave it up when I started a family at the age of 21. It was always family first and my career wasn’t a priority.

After raising five children [she also has two stepchildren], I got back into modelling in 2022. I was part of a Virgin Australia campaign and through that I met fashion stylist Virginia Dowzer, who put me in touch with Chadwick modelling agency. I have more work now as a mum of grown children than I had when I was a young model.

Being a model in my 50s is a thrill, and mature models are a trend I hope remains. I have four grown daughters and I want them to see me as me. Yes, looking young is fantastic, but I am all about embracing myself as I am.

I don’t have to hide imperfections because diversity is important. I’m nearly 60 and have long hair – I tell other women not to worry about their hair length. My confidence is at its peak now.

ROBYN LAWLEY

Robyn Lawley says having a child brings her back to earth.Credit: Louise Kennerley

I began working as a model in the mid-2000s, appearing on covers of Dolly, Elle and Maire Claire. Working with fashion photographer Steven Meisel and make-up artist Pat McGrath for the cover of Vogue Italia in 2011 was the absolute career highlight for me.

As a mother who continues to work as a model, my biggest problem is that I’m based in upstate New York and often come back to Australia for work. I love the travel, but hate leaving my daughter Ripley behind.

Before becoming a mum, I’d travel weekly, but now I plan a few big overseas trips a year. Sometimes I bring Ripley with me, but she’s nine and it’s not always easy. Luckily, I have a very supportive partner.

When you’re a young fashion model, the industry wants you to be obsessed with yourself, and to get where you have to get to, it’s all about you! It’s humbling having a child; it brings you back to earth. One day, you’re covered in diapers, the next you’re wearing something designed by Karl Lagerfeld. It’s that juxtaposition I love.

MAGNOLIA MAYMURU

Magnolia Maymuru shot her first Vogue Australia cover with her daughter who was just four months old at the time.

My first modelling job was walking at NT Fashion Week in 2015. A year later, I became the first Yolngu woman to make the finals of Miss World Australia.

I shot my first Vogue Australia cover in 2021 with my daughter, who was just four months old. The cover makes me emotional to this day, seeing her tiny bald head. Since then, she’s travelled a lot with me for work. We found the teething stage the hardest; she’d stay with her dad in NT if I had to go to work in Sydney or Melbourne.

Some days I look at my daughter and can’t believe I’m her mum. She represents how much I have achieved in my career, and she has been part of my journey. I’m fortunate to be part of the Yolngu community, which is so big and inclusive. In our culture, when a woman gives birth, everyone helps. We moved back from Darwin to raise our daughter in Arnhem Land.

I recently went to Hawaii for the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture and modelled a few Indigenous brands like Lucy Simpson, Lillardia Briggs and Magpie Goose. It was special to go somewhere far from Arnhem Land but be with those who share the same cultural protocols.

Since becoming a mother, my work feels more profound and my purpose clearer. It’s starting to sink in how much of an influence I can have on the next generation and that what I do will have an impact and inspire others, including my daughter.

ELYSE KNOWLES

Elyse Knowles is happy to sit and wait for the right opportunity.

I started modelling when I was 10 years old. The jobs didn’t always come in. There were many knockbacks. Persistence and love for the job counts for a lot.

An early career highlight was my first Jay Jay’s campaign in Australia at 16. That’s when I moved to Hong Kong, based on advice from my agency that it was where I needed to be. I was there with Mum for a month, then on my own. Those formative years taught me what I wanted to do.

Now, as a mother, I have an understanding of the industry at an age when I can embrace life and enjoy what I’ve built for myself. I’m about to have my third child, and I’m fortunate that I can spend a lot of time with my kids. I don’t need to climb the ladder 24/7 and don’t have to flog myself.

On one occasion, I took a friend on set when shooting a campaign in Byron Bay to mind my son, Sunny. These days, I’m happy to sit and wait for the right opportunity when it comes to work.

My mum has a box of pictures and covers from all my modelling campaigns for safekeeping. Shooting the Sunday Life cover with my kids recently was a definite highlight.

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