marlen goldie, 65
Marlen Goldie is a regular on TV style guru Gok Wan’s catwalk – at the age of 65.
She’s been in the modelling game for more than half a century. And at a time when she should typically be hanging up her heels to kick back and relax, the grandmother says she has no plans to stop any time soon.
“You just can’t beat putting on high heels and diamond earrings,” she said. “You feel a million dollars. I just love it!
“And I’ll keep going as long as I’m able.
“There’s certainly plenty of work to keep me going, from catwalk shows and mother of the bride outfits, to ads for ferries, hotels and restaurants.
“I thought the jobs would dry up as I got older, but I’m busier than I’ve ever been.”
Mother-of-two Marlen, who lives in Rutherglen, started modelling when she was just 14.
“I fell into it accidentally,” she said. “I was so shy my mum sent me to a grooming school – you know, where you learn how to walk with a book on your head and how to get out of a car.
“As soon as I was finished, I was offered a modelling job on the catwalk.
“Models in years gone by were a size eight and 21 years old, so it’s certainly changing.
“I think brands are realising there’s an older generation and embracing them – because it’s us that have the grey pound.
“We’ve paid off our mortgages and have the disposable income to buy expensive face creams and go on nice holidays.”
Marlen added: “I don’t tend to tell people I’m a model, I just say I’m in fashion. It’s easier that way.
“When I’m not working, I’m not glamorous at all, so I don’t know if they would believe me!”
I thought the work would dry up as I got older but I’m busier than ever and I’ll keep going as long as I can