Heather Inwood, 67, shares her inspiring story
Putting on the bathing suit, I felt overcome with both excitement and nerves.
“I haven’t done this in 30 years,” I said to the make-up artist.
“You’ll be fine,” they encouraged.
It was 2017, and I was about to step onto my first swimwear modelling set in a long time, joining four other models to pose for the Camilla Swimwear shoot by the beach in eastern Sydney.
From the age of 16, I’d been a freelance model, appearing in art and fashion shows on and off.
Standing at 5ft2, I was short compared to the industry ideal of 5ft10, but I’d still managed to make a decent income, which I’d supplemented by managing boutique clothing shops.
I searched for modelling jobs myself in the classifieds, though they became more and more scarce by the time I entered my thirties.
Now in my 60s, I model for big brands. (Image: Supplied)
“You are getting older now,” some people in the industry said.
At 40, I was asked to play an ‘old woman’ in an ad for a foreign lottery.
After that, I realised that I needed to move on and pursued a career in hospitality, as well as renovating houses with my husband, Bob, 50.
Bob often complimented me on my appearance.
“You’re beautiful,” he said encouragingly.
Years passed and as my retirement age crept towards me, I started to wonder how I’d fill my time when I no longer worked.
So in 2017 when I came across an advert looking for extras in an upcoming blockbuster movie, Occupation, I thought it would be fun to give it a go.
“Fancy signing up?” I asked Bob.
“Sure,” he said.
My husband Bob has always encouraged me. (Image: Supplied)
Remarkably, the production company chose both of us and within a couple of days we were standing on set as extras.
The bright lights and cameras reminded me of my former years as a model, and I realised how much I missed them.
Then a few months later, an ad on TV flashed up for Silver Fox Management, a modelling agency that represented mature models.
Still revelling from my time in front of the camera as an extra, I decided to apply.
I sent my age, measurements and a few photos of myself, and days later, I received a call from the CEO, Brigette.
“We’d love to take you on,” she said.
Within two weeks, I was on my way to Sydney for the swimwear shoot.
I started modelling in fashion shows in the ’70s. (Image: Supplied)
Now, wearing my swimsuit and a beach cover up, I felt every bit myself as I posed for the photographer.
A few weeks later, the advert was put online and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, seeing myself in it.
“The pics are stunning,” Bob marvelled.
Spurred on, I signed up for more jobs and was thrilled to be booked time and time again.
In the past six years, I’ve modelled for major household names, including Camilla and Marc, Sephora, The Iconic and Wittner Shoes, as part of International Women’s Day, proving beauty can still exist at any age.
I hope my story inspires other retirees to get out and do whatever they feel passionate about!
Now in my 60s I model for big brands. (Image: Supplied)
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