Carmen Dell’Orefice, model and actress, was discovered at the age of 13 on a bus going to ballet class. At the age of 15 she landed her first cover of Vogue, and was making $7.50 an hour. Her parents frequently fought and when things were especially volatile, she stayed in foster homes or with relatives. Her family had little money and Carmen’s modeling was not enough to sustain them. They had no telephone, so Vogue had to send messengers over when she was needed. She supplemented her income with sewing. She’s known in the fashion industry now for being the world’s oldest, still working model. Above, a sixteen year old Carmen.
Carmen can be found all over the web, but for a quick glance at more images, including some recent ones of the now 82 year-old, still working, Carmen click here.