The fashion world is mourning the loss of Daphne Selfe, Britain's oldest supermodel, who has died at the age of 97. Her family announced her passing on Monday, sharing a poignant Instagram post featuring pink magnolia blossom against a blue sky with the dates '1.07.1928 - 21.03.2026'. The death is understood to be from natural causes.
A Groundbreaking Career Spanning Seven Decades
Daphne Selfe's extraordinary journey in fashion began in the late 1940s when she won a modelling competition for the cover of a local Reading magazine while working in the fashion department of John Lewis. Born in Edmonton, North London, her career would eventually span an incredible seven decades, but it was her remarkable late-career renaissance that truly cemented her status as a fashion icon.
The Remarkable Comeback at Age 70
After marrying Jim Smith, who worked in theatre and television production, Daphne paused her modelling career to raise their three children - Mark, Claire, and Rose - in Hertfordshire, where she lived for the rest of her life. Following her husband's death in 1997 after he suffered various strokes, Daphne's career experienced an unexpected revival at age 70 when she was approached by the brand Red or Dead for London Fashion Week in 1998.
Reflecting on this timing, Daphne once said: 'It timed itself rather well, it was just after my husband died that I got the shoot and I could never have done it when he was alive. I was looking after him as he'd had various strokes and things and I had to do things for him. I couldn't have gone abroad before, which obviously modelling takes.'
Industry Recognition and Tributes
After walking the catwalk for Red or Dead, Vogue magazine invited her to be part of an article on ageing shot by Nick Knight, where a scout from the prestigious agency Models 1 immediately wanted Daphne on their books. She remained with Models 1 for more than 20 years, with her agent Chantal Murray describing her as having 'an incredible spirit and energy about her which is totally enchanting' and noting her 'incredible bone structure and poise which made her stand out.'
Tributes have poured in from across the fashion industry following news of her death. Model Erin O'Connor wrote: 'RIP wonderful woman and fashion icon x', while photographer and model Alistair Guy added: 'She was my greatest friend and muse, I will miss you so much wonderful Daphne. Please rest in peace.' Another photographer, Julia Fullerton-Batten, commented: 'I am so so sorry... I photographed Daphne for my Mothers and Daughters project.'
Iconic Campaigns and Records
Daphne's career saw her photographed by legendary photographer Mario Testino and modelling for Dolce and Gabbana, as well as appearing in campaigns for major brands including Nivea, Gap and Primark. She was named the world's oldest professional fashion model by the Guinness Book of World Records, becoming a symbol of what the media dubbed the 'greynaissance' - a movement celebrating older women in fashion.
Speaking about her unexpected success, Daphne once said: 'You don't have to be that young, you can be whatever age now. I'm still managing to go at 90, so why not? If you've got the experience and the know-how you can do anything.'
Philosophy on Ageing and Beauty
Daphne was remarkably forthright about beauty standards, famously stating: 'A big smile is better than Botox' and 'I don't do retiring.' On going grey naturally, she reflected: 'I can't understand why so many women whose hair has lost its colour feel compelled to douse it with dye. Going grey is nature's way of complementing an older complexion. It was an extraordinary relief to be embracing my natural self, no longer clinging onto the past.'
Her philosophy on ageing was equally inspiring: 'Everybody should remember they've got the potential to take up something again, or start to do something different. It's never too late. People can do all sorts of things.'
Legacy and Later Years
In 2015, Daphne established the Daphne Selfe Academy to give women of all ages the benefit of her extensive industry experience, teaching professionalism, positive thinking and healthy living. Known for her boundless energy and dedication to fitness, she practised yoga from age 20 and continued with ballet and Pilates exercises throughout her life.
'Taking care of your health is the most important thing because modelling is hard work if you do it properly,' she advised. 'It's long hours, lots of hanging about, lots of physical activity, and also you need a good work ethic.'
In her later years, while living in a care home, Daphne continued to maintain close relationships with her three children and four grandchildren, as well as making appearances at high-profile events including the Royal Variety Performance. Her agent Chantal Murray told the Daily Mail: 'It's very sad. She was absolutely incredible. She was such a joy to work with and she was just so inspirational. She was a very kind person, too.'
The silver-haired icon leaves behind a legacy that redefined beauty standards and proved that age is no barrier to success in the fashion industry or any field of endeavour.
