Christie Brinkley on Modeling Over 60 and the Secret to Ageless Style
Photo: Courtesy.
There are precious few models who can be considered American icons, and Christie Brinkley is that rare creature who falls into the realm of national treasure. Her latest project connects her with another all-American institution, the Gap. Brinkley joins a cast of beauties for the brand’s latest campaign, singing and dancing with the likes of Adwoa Aboah and Alek Wek. The spots, which mark the directorial debut of British Vogue editor in chief Edward Enninful, combine the upbeat energy the Gap’s imagery is known for with a multigenerational twist. The off-the-cuff jam sessions in the ads are lighthearted, but with models of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds coming together, they send a deeper message of inclusion.
For Brinkley to be part of the campaign is yet another great moment in what has become a landmark career. At 63, she remains the industry standard for blonde beauties, defying stereotypes with her ageless style. Here, the supermodel talks about singing on Broadway, being inspired by Marilyn Monroe, and why the best fashion advice always comes from her children.
On Singing for the Gap
“It was actually more challenging than when I played Roxie Hart on Broadway! This wasn’t in my key, so I would either have to sing in a soprano kind of voice or in a lower voice. And neither one of them really worked for me, but I had so much fun. I don’t know when we recorded our voice-overs; I was doing fake voices and operatic voices, making them laugh. I don’t know which they decided to go with or if you’ll hear me at all, but it was an absolute blast to do.”
On Working With Modeling’s New Generation
“Everybody [on set] was so beautiful and so gorgeous, and they had their own unique look. They just exuded this confidence and individuality, and I thought that was so beautiful and wonderful.
I just fell in love with them. Miles [Chamley-Watson] and Adwoa [Aboah] and, of course, Alek [Wek] is such an icon of beauty. To actually see her in real life after having seen her stunning images, you know, in Vogue over the years. The two of us just hugged each other. I said, ‘It’s so amazing to meet you! You’re such an icon!’ And she’s like, ‘No, you’re an icon!’”
On the Perfect Pair of Jeans
“High-waisted but not too mom jean–like. Think: Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits!”
On Adapting Her Style With Age
“In my own wardrobe, I guess I try to balance that thing of body consciousness and comfort, because if things are body conscious but uncomfortable, it usually means they’re too tight. You have to exude that certain sense of comfort. And also, too tight just starts to look like you’re trying too hard. Then I think that as you get older you have to keep things simple. I think that I feel the best when I’m in an old pair of jeans and a cashmere sweater, jean shirts, and white button-down shirts. Those elements stay relaxed and easy. A young girl can wear a Chanel bouclé jacket, for instance, and it looks great on her. But I feel like at my age, if I put on a Chanel jacket, it would age me.”
On Taking Fashion Advice From Her Three Children, Sailor, Alexa, and Jack
“My kids live in Manhattan, so they’re much more up on what’s good or not. All three of them raid my closet, so I’m stuck with the leftovers! They’ve gotten the good stuff. I feel like, if they’ve borrowed it, it’s extra special to me. It means that item is cool. If they don’t return it, then that’s the piece that I want back, because I know it was really good.”
On Her Simple Summer Styling Trick
“My goal on a summer day in the Hamptons is to end up on or in the water. So I tend to start my outfit with a swimsuit as a layer and work my way up from that. Sometimes it’s just pulling on a one-piece swimsuit and a pair of leggings, then a loose top that can protect you from the sun. I like to think that at some point in each day I’m going to end up near the water and be able to jump in for a swim!”
This story originally appeared on Vogue.
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