SPOTLIGHT ON...
American author Anne Lamott once said, “I am all the ages that I’ve ever been”; this quote inspired me to unveil my naturally grey hair, and since I did, I’ve been signed to a model agency. I believe age is not something to fear, but something to embrace. AT 61, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE. I left Ireland and moved to London at the age of 16 with only the bus fare to get to my new job as a receptionist in London’s Tara Hotel, but I owned a red trouser suit and a large black hat that I had saved hard for. I wore it often and it made me feel wonderful. Two years later, I moved in with two magnificent gay window dressers. I learned many things from each of them. They taught me how AN OUTFIT CAN BE TRANSFORMED WITH ACCESSORIES; it isn’t about the cost of these pieces, it’s about the arrangement of them. A considered skincare regime, manicured nails and well applied make-up will help you to make the best of what you have. I honed these skills during my 14 years as an air hostess with Aer Lingus and Iran Air, and then as a Dior make-up artist. GLAMOUR CAN BE A REAL SOURCE OF POWER. I saw this particularly while living and working in Cairo. Middle Eastern women exude glamour from a young age. It prompted me to study for a diploma in fashion styling, which I gained from the Condé Nast College of Fashion last year. It’s never too late in life to follow your passions. I WANT TO BE AN AGE AMBASSADOR FOR WOMEN. This is one of the reasons why I stepped into the virtual unknown of Instagram last year. I want to show women that you never have to put an age limit on your dreams, that ageing is what helps us to grow into who we are and that there are always paths open to you whatever your stage in life. IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HOLD ONTO YOUR STYLE IDENTITY AS YOU AGE. I use fashion trends to enhance my own personal style, but only if they f it with my signature look.
MARY DUNNE is a former Dior make-up artist who is passionate about women maintaining their style identity as they age. At 61, she was recently
signed up to a model agency.