Meet the new SUPER MODELS

We speak to three women who refuse to go out of fashion

- VERONIQUE HAWKSWORTH, PAULA ROBINSON.

'WE DON'T BECOME INVISIBLE - WITH AGE COMES BEAUTY!'

Rachel Peru, 52, lives in Harrogate with her husband Mark, 57. Standing on a beach in the Bahamas, wearing just a swimsuit, I smiled as the photographer snapped away. At 47, I was fairly new to modelling, but already I was getting booked for big campaigns, including this one with plus-sized model Ashley Graham. But the Bahamas wasn’t the only place I was lucky enough to fly to for work. Over the next few years I jetted to Sweden, Germany and France, reinforcing to me that becoming a model was the best decision I’d ever made.

My first taste of modelling was in 2010 when I worked as a teacher. A friend of mine asked if I’d take part in a charity fashion show that she was in, and wanting to help raise money for Macmillan, I’d agreed without thinking too much about it.

Having stopped dyeing my hair a couple of years earlier, I knew I had a unique look, as not many women embraced their greys, especially women my age. But the reception I received from the audience as I modelled a few outfits on the catwalk, was incredible. And walking alongside established models, they were full of praise, asking if I had considered applying to a modelling agency. I was flattered, but didn’t pursue anything.

I continued to walk in the Macmillan fashion show for my friend for six more years, but in 2017, at 46, feeling confident, I took a leap of faith and started researching modelling agencies. With my two daughters and son all in their teens, I had less mum responsibilities, and more time for myself. And my husband Mark really encouraged me.

Sending off emails to a few agencies, my expectations were low, so when a London-based agency got in touch wanting to sign me up as a mature plus-sized model, I was astounded.