This 73-year-old is making waves with her bold fashion choices despite criticism
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It's no secret that there are a lot of stereotypes out there about older generations – senior citizens ‘should’ dress a certain way, stick to a certain set of activities, and adhere to a certain code of conduct.
But Colleen Heidemann, who is 73 years young, is having none of this outdated nonsense.
It all began when Colleen took to TikTok to share her bold fashion choices in stylish outfits and jaw-dropping workouts, often wearing glamorous makeup. She’s now attracted more than 319,000 followers who are inspired by her stance against senior stereotypes.
The video she posted quickly went viral because of her empowering message.
‘”This swimwear is not age appropriate” is what they say,’ she said in the video.
‘I say, “Wear what makes you feel good!”’
The ‘silver fox’ included a slideshow of herself looking ‘cool, calm, and collected’ while modelling various swimsuits.
‘Every body is a swimsuit body,’ she said.
Colleen told reporters that she entered the beauty industry when she was 69-years-old, but said she’s always been interested in beauty and fashion all her life. She credited iconic actresses such as Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly as her role models.
Now, Colleen is a professional model signed by NEXT Models, one of the most successful modelling agencies in the world.
You can watch her empowering video below:
In other clips, Colleen shows off her modelling skills in an 80s exercise attire. Sometimes, she shows off her skincare routine and glam sessions, or behind-the-scenes footage of photoshoots and runway gigs just like this video below:
Colleen has already dipped her toes in the acting sphere and took on a role in a horror movie called Father of Flies. In an interview for her role, she said she would ‘love to pursue acting’ but also stated she would love to see older women cast in leading roles outside the ‘traditional, stereotypical grandmother image’.
‘I want her seen and able to be believed as a wonderfully strong, immensely intelligent, worldly, capable person, living life within her own reality,’ she continued. That was a passionate and powerful statement, don’t you agree?
When asked for self-care advice, Colleen said she’s always put thought into what she does to her body. She confessed that she doesn’t have bad habits, and emphasised on eating vegetables regularly. Colleen explained that she eats ‘very little meat’, such as chicken and beef. However, she only eats them a few times during the year.
Colleen also shared that physical and mental stimulation are a ‘must’ toward obtaining a better and longer life. ‘Hopefully [it] might allow for so much more personal freedom, dignity, pride and self-reliance!’ She explained.
Colleen’s story is inspiring in so many ways! More than the pursuit of her dreams, she’s also broken barriers of stereotypes surrounding women her age – particularly in the beauty and fashion industry.
The industry’s ‘shameful sidelining’ of older consumers could cost billions over the next 20 years, according to research. In recent years, however, more models have been used in advertising and a lot of big-name brands like Gucci are becoming more ‘age-inclusive’ in their marketing.
In any case, Colleen’s success is in spite of ageism in the fashion and cosmetics industries, and she has become a role model for seniors, helping to promote body acceptance and self-love.
We are in absolute awe of Colleen’s story! What do you have to say about this, members? Share your thoughts below!
But Colleen Heidemann, who is 73 years young, is having none of this outdated nonsense.
It all began when Colleen took to TikTok to share her bold fashion choices in stylish outfits and jaw-dropping workouts, often wearing glamorous makeup. She’s now attracted more than 319,000 followers who are inspired by her stance against senior stereotypes.
The video she posted quickly went viral because of her empowering message.
‘”This swimwear is not age appropriate” is what they say,’ she said in the video.
‘I say, “Wear what makes you feel good!”’
The ‘silver fox’ included a slideshow of herself looking ‘cool, calm, and collected’ while modelling various swimsuits.
‘Every body is a swimsuit body,’ she said.
Colleen told reporters that she entered the beauty industry when she was 69-years-old, but said she’s always been interested in beauty and fashion all her life. She credited iconic actresses such as Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly as her role models.
Now, Colleen is a professional model signed by NEXT Models, one of the most successful modelling agencies in the world.
You can watch her empowering video below:
In other clips, Colleen shows off her modelling skills in an 80s exercise attire. Sometimes, she shows off her skincare routine and glam sessions, or behind-the-scenes footage of photoshoots and runway gigs just like this video below:
Colleen has already dipped her toes in the acting sphere and took on a role in a horror movie called Father of Flies. In an interview for her role, she said she would ‘love to pursue acting’ but also stated she would love to see older women cast in leading roles outside the ‘traditional, stereotypical grandmother image’.
‘I want her seen and able to be believed as a wonderfully strong, immensely intelligent, worldly, capable person, living life within her own reality,’ she continued. That was a passionate and powerful statement, don’t you agree?
When asked for self-care advice, Colleen said she’s always put thought into what she does to her body. She confessed that she doesn’t have bad habits, and emphasised on eating vegetables regularly. Colleen explained that she eats ‘very little meat’, such as chicken and beef. However, she only eats them a few times during the year.
Colleen also shared that physical and mental stimulation are a ‘must’ toward obtaining a better and longer life. ‘Hopefully [it] might allow for so much more personal freedom, dignity, pride and self-reliance!’ She explained.
Colleen’s story is inspiring in so many ways! More than the pursuit of her dreams, she’s also broken barriers of stereotypes surrounding women her age – particularly in the beauty and fashion industry.
The industry’s ‘shameful sidelining’ of older consumers could cost billions over the next 20 years, according to research. In recent years, however, more models have been used in advertising and a lot of big-name brands like Gucci are becoming more ‘age-inclusive’ in their marketing.
In any case, Colleen’s success is in spite of ageism in the fashion and cosmetics industries, and she has become a role model for seniors, helping to promote body acceptance and self-love.
Key Takeaways
- Colleen Heidemann, a 73-year-old modelling sensation, proudly wears swimsuits, workout wear, and other outfits that some people consider to be ‘not age appropriate’ and has earned a significant following online thanks to her confidence and self-love.
- Colleen, who is signed with NEXT Models, has captured the attention of her followers with her inspiring message, behind-the-scenes peeks into her runway gigs, and empowering clips that feature her in stylish clothes.
- She emphasised the importance of beauty in her life and encouraged her fans to wear what makes them feel good.