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And now as she returns to her fashion roots, she tells how she is confident that she has many more exciting years to come.
“I agree that 45-plus offers some very exciting years,” she says. “I have been fortunate enough to live through some very exciting times already but there’s so much more to come.
Positive
“I have always lived my life looking forward. The past is history and the future is a mystery.
“I’ve had the same attitude and approach to my midster years as I had when I entered my 20s. Stay positive, be kind, work hard and remember what your goals are, even when things aren’t going so well. If you put that positivity out into the universe, things will start to happen.”
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, former beauty queen, actress and model Wilnelia won Miss World in 1975 and travelled the world in her role, eventually falling in love with England. She was signed by a leading model agency in New York and a giant poster of her was displayed in Times Square from 1978.
She met Bruce in 1980 at the Miss World competition gala in London and stayed by his side until his death from bronchial pneumonia last year.
“I had a wonderful childhood; idyllic times playing with my brother in Puerto Rico, which I will always remember,” she explains. “Sophia Loren has been my icon since I was young.
“I relate to her life story as I came from a humble background then became a beauty queen and married someone much older like her.”
And Wilnelia reveals she now appreciates some “me time” to make her look and feel good.
“Every woman should have a day for themselves. In my case it’s Friday, I go to the gym or catch up with friends.
“I love rituals such as taking long baths with essential oils and lighting beautiful scented candles, which inspired me to create my own collection – Wilnelia Forsyth London.
“It is so important to be happy with yourself and this helps to make other people happy too.
“I feel my best when I am rested. I like to take my time to get ready; however, I can do my make-up in five minutes or I can take an hour.
“I’m lucky that my mother owned a beauty parlour when I was a child and I learnt so much from various make-up artists and hairdressers over the years during my modelling career so I enjoy doing this myself.” And she keeps in shape easily with a regular healthy routine. Wilnelia admits: “I had to be body confident from a young age due to my modelling career and my experience winning Miss World.
“I feel lucky that my body shape has not changed so drastically over the years but it’s all about the maintenance and routine. I think ‘everything in moderation’ is a good motto. That way I don’t deprive myself of anything I want. It works for me!
“I like to keep to a routine; I get up early in the morning and drink two glasses of water and then do some stretching exercises as I had a lowerback operation. Stretching is very important too for blood circulation.
Glitzy
“I love to do Pilates as it’s a controlled movement to develop your core strength. I like to swim and walk whenever I can to collect my thoughts and I have started to play a little more golf again.”
Online retailer JD Williams is the leading fashion store for women aged 45-plus and its AW Christmas collection comprises glitzy dresses, fabulous jumpsuits and essential partywear for the festive season.
And Wilnelia admits now, without Bruce, she might go away for Christmas one year.
“Traditionally at home in Puerto Rico we celebrate Christmas with the whole family, roast a huge turkey and exchange gifts,” she says. “One year I will do something different, I’ve always wanted to go on a Caribbean cruise – that would be lovely!”