Who Says Aging Is a Bad Thing: The New Fashion Icon We Should All Aspire to Look Like

Who says aging is a bad thing? Not some of the major fashion houses or their new fashion icon, whom we should all aspire to look like.

Once again, the fashion industry nurtured the consumer’s need for style stimulation. However, this time, it wasn’t necessarily the styling itself, even though brands still managed to have us drooling over their new collections. Instead, it was their choice of the models wearing their collections.

One of the most refreshing models was Maggie Smith, the Downton Abbey and Harry Potter actress. When first laying eyes on the campaign photos of Smith, an affectionate admiration begins to settle. In Loewe’s spring/summer 2024 campaign, Smith, currently 88 years old, modeled for the brand’s pre-collection with photographer Juergen Teller. 

In a rugged setting, Smith poses stunningly in Loewe’s collection. The context of the photoshoot takes place in an outdoor area of a brick building. Smith sits atop a multi-colored, vintage sofa, and her legs crossed gracefully. Her attire consists of opaque black tights, simple leather black shoes, and a ruffled black and white turtleneck dress. On her lap rests Loewe’s leather Paseo handbag in a rich, deep wine color. A playful smirk brightens her face as she looks directly into the lens.

Smith’s discreet smile isn’t the only thing trying to teach us all a lesson in style and life. Her natural hair and complexion are eloquently on display, with every well-earned dimple, age spot, and wrinkle present—an inspiring representation of authentic beauty.

In today’s industries, especially in fashion and show business, there is an overwhelming focus on youth and beauty. However, there is a great misunderstanding about the two concepts. One is not reliant upon the other to have meaning. Times of youth project insecurities and a lack of direction. At the same time, one’s outward appearance may be young and beautiful, but inside, they are harshly aging from the exhaustion of keeping up with appearances.

With age comes wisdom, and aging gracefully is true beauty. As Eleanor Roosevelt once stated, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”