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Key moments and achievements from Daphne Selfe's life.
Daphne was born
· Baldock, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Won Competition
At the age of 21, Daphne Selfe embarked on her modeling career by winning a local magazine cover girl competition for the 'Reading & Berkshire Review'. This initial success marked her entry into the fashion industry, a world she would continue to influence for over seven decades. The prize for this competition was a coveted spot on the magazine's cover, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.
Won Competition
At the age of 21, Daphne Selfe embarked on her modeling career by winning a local magazine cover girl competition for the 'Reading & Berkshire Review'. This initial success marked her entry into the fashion industry, a world she would continue to influence for over seven decades. The prize for this competition was a coveted spot on the magazine's cover, setting the stage for her remarkable journey.
Married
In 1954, Daphne Selfe married Jim Smith, a television floor manager. This significant personal event led her to step back from the demanding schedule of full-time modeling to focus on raising their three children. The couple settled in Hertfordshire, where Daphne devoted herself to family life, though she occasionally took on modeling assignments and worked as a television and film extra.
Married
In 1954, Daphne Selfe married Jim Smith, a television floor manager. This significant personal event led her to step back from the demanding schedule of full-time modeling to focus on raising their three children. The couple settled in Hertfordshire, where Daphne devoted herself to family life, though she occasionally took on modeling assignments and worked as a television and film extra.
Career Resurgence
Following the death of her husband in 1997, Daphne Selfe was rediscovered by the fashion industry at the age of 70. Her unique and striking appearance, particularly her long, natural grey hair, resonated with a new generation of designers and photographers. She was signed by the prominent Models 1 agency in 1998, marking the beginning of an extraordinary second chapter in her modeling career.
Career Resurgence
Following the death of her husband in 1997, Daphne Selfe was rediscovered by the fashion industry at the age of 70. Her unique and striking appearance, particularly her long, natural grey hair, resonated with a new generation of designers and photographers. She was signed by the prominent Models 1 agency in 1998, marking the beginning of an extraordinary second chapter in her modeling career.
Awarded Title
In 2015, Daphne Selfe achieved a remarkable milestone by being officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the World's Oldest Supermodel. This title cemented her status as a trailblazer in the industry, celebrating her enduring career and her role in challenging conventional beauty standards. The recognition highlighted her global impact and her ability to inspire across generations.
Awarded Title
In 2015, Daphne Selfe achieved a remarkable milestone by being officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the World's Oldest Supermodel. This title cemented her status as a trailblazer in the industry, celebrating her enduring career and her role in challenging conventional beauty standards. The recognition highlighted her global impact and her ability to inspire across generations.
Published Book
Daphne Selfe shared her incredible life story and experiences in the fashion world with the publication of her autobiography, 'The Way We Wore: A Life in Clothes', in 2016. The book offered an anecdotal recount of her long-standing relationship with fashion, providing insights into her career and personal philosophy. It further solidified her influence as an author and an icon.
Published Book
Daphne Selfe shared her incredible life story and experiences in the fashion world with the publication of her autobiography, 'The Way We Wore: A Life in Clothes', in 2016. The book offered an anecdotal recount of her long-standing relationship with fashion, providing insights into her career and personal philosophy. It further solidified her influence as an author and an icon.
Received National Honor
In 2019, Daphne Selfe's significant contributions to the fashion industry were formally acknowledged when she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). This prestigious honor recognized her pivotal role in promoting opportunities for older women in fashion and her unwavering dedication to her profession. The award underscored her lasting legacy as an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Received National Honor
In 2019, Daphne Selfe's significant contributions to the fashion industry were formally acknowledged when she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). This prestigious honor recognized her pivotal role in promoting opportunities for older women in fashion and her unwavering dedication to her profession. The award underscored her lasting legacy as an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Founded Organization
In 2015, Daphne Selfe established the Daphne Selfe Academy to share her extensive industry knowledge and empower aspiring models. The academy was designed to create opportunities for women of all ages to learn about and pursue careers in the fashion industry. By teaching the values of professionalism, positive thinking, and healthy living, Selfe aimed to foster confidence and challenge the traditional, youth-centric standards of beauty. Her initiative provided a supportive environment for older women to embrace their natural elegance and navigate the modeling world.
Founded Organization
In 2015, Daphne Selfe established the Daphne Selfe Academy to share her extensive industry knowledge and empower aspiring models. The academy was designed to create opportunities for women of all ages to learn about and pursue careers in the fashion industry. By teaching the values of professionalism, positive thinking, and healthy living, Selfe aimed to foster confidence and challenge the traditional, youth-centric standards of beauty. Her initiative provided a supportive environment for older women to embrace their natural elegance and navigate the modeling world.
Media Appearance
Daphne Selfe's cultural impact and advocacy for older models were highlighted in the 2018 fashion-based documentary 'Timeless Beauty,' directed by Deyan Parouchev. The film explored the shifting paradigms of beauty in a youth-obsessed society, focusing on senior models who were shaking up industry codes. Selfe's participation in the documentary underscored her role as a trailblazer in the 'greynaissance' movement, celebrating diversity and timeless elegance on the catwalk. Her feature helped amplify the message that beauty and style are not confined by age.
Media Appearance
Daphne Selfe's cultural impact and advocacy for older models were highlighted in the 2018 fashion-based documentary 'Timeless Beauty,' directed by Deyan Parouchev. The film explored the shifting paradigms of beauty in a youth-obsessed society, focusing on senior models who were shaking up industry codes. Selfe's participation in the documentary underscored her role as a trailblazer in the 'greynaissance' movement, celebrating diversity and timeless elegance on the catwalk. Her feature helped amplify the message that beauty and style are not confined by age.
Daphne Selfe passed away
