Daphne Selfe, the iconic British supermodel who defied ageism in the fashion industry and held the title of the world's oldest working supermodel, passed away from natural causes on March 21, 2026, at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully in a residential care home in London. Her extraordinary career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and inspiring countless individuals with her vibrant spirit and enduring elegance. Selfe's passing was announced by her family and Models 1, her agency, celebrating a life dedicated to breaking boundaries and redefining beauty standards.

Born in London on July 1, 1928, to Francis and Irene Selfe, Daphne's creative lineage included her uncle, the esteemed English cartoonist and illustrator William Heath Robinson. Her journey into the fashion world began in 1949, shortly after her twenty-first birthday. She won a local magazine cover girl competition while working at a department store, which propelled her into professional modeling. This early success led her to join the Gaby Young Agency in London, where she honed her skills as an artist's model, house model, and commercial model, appearing in various advertisements.

In 1954, Daphne married Jim Smith, a television floor manager, and together they raised three children: Mark, Claire, and Rose. During this period, she stepped back from the demanding pace of full-time modeling, prioritizing her family life in Hertfordshire. While she continued with occasional modeling jobs and worked as a television and film extra—even making appearances in James Bond films—her primary focus shifted to motherhood and supporting her husband's career.

The fashion world rediscovered Daphne Selfe in 1998, following the death of her husband in 1997. At the age of 70, her distinctive look, characterized by her long, natural grey hair and elegant bone structure, captivated industry professionals. She was signed by the prestigious Models 1 agency, marking the beginning of an unprecedented second act in her career that would see her achieve global recognition.

Her resurgence saw her grace the pages of high-profile magazines such as Vogue and work with celebrated photographers including Mario Testino, Nick Knight, and David Bailey. Daphne Selfe became a sought-after face for major brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Red or Dead, Gap, and TK Maxx, proving that beauty and style transcend conventional age limits. Her presence on runways and in campaigns challenged prevailing notions of youth-centric beauty, opening doors for older models.

In 2015, Daphne Selfe was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the World's Oldest Professional Fashion Model, a testament to her longevity and impact. That same year, she founded the Daphne Selfe Academy to create opportunities for women of all ages to learn about and pursue careers in the fashion industry. The following year, she shared her life story and insights in her autobiography, 'The Way We Wore: A Life in Clothes.' Her cultural impact was further cemented when she was featured in the 2018 fashion-based documentary 'Timeless Beauty,' created by Deyan Parouchev. In 2019, she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to fashion and for promoting opportunities for older women.

Daphne Selfe continued to work well into her nineties, embodying a philosophy of perseverance, happiness, and curiosity. Her final professional modeling appearance took place in June 2025 at a Vogue luncheon during Royal Ascot Ladies' Day, an event that perfectly captured her lifelong passions for fashion, people, and horses. Following her passing, her family shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute, stating she 'rose peacefully and purposely towards the light, as only the sensational model in her knew how.' Tributes also poured in from fashion industry figures, including model Erin O'Connor, photographer Alistair Guy, and her Models 1 agent Chantal Murray.

Though she had called Baldock, Hertfordshire, her home for many years, she spent her final days in London. She is survived by her three children, Mark, Claire, and Rose, and her four grandchildren, Jack, Alec, Grace, and Robin. Her legacy is not just one of a successful model, but of a trailblazer who inspired a more inclusive vision of beauty and demonstrated that passion and vitality know no age.