Like a fine wine! Male models over 50 reveal how their careers are soaring with older age – including a marathon-running 66-year-old who’s been dubbed the fittest OAP ‘on the planet’
- New trend of male models and influencers over 50 has emerged in the industry
- FEMAIL spoke to some of the most popular mature models in Britain today
- One fitness model was described by Kelly Holmes as ‘Britain’s fittest 65-year-old’
- Another said that being scouted later in life has changed his attitude to aging
In recent years the world of modelling has diversified to be more representative than ever, including a wider range of ethnic minorities and women of all body shapes.
However an untapped market is beginning to evolve, in the form male models over fifty.
According to Grey Model Agency, their books are becoming more popular than ever, and a new world of influencers over 50 has emerged.
FEMAIL spoke to their most popular mature male models, who have starred in campaigns for Haagen Dazs ice cream and Huawei, and include a man described by Kelly Holmes as ‘Britain’s fittest man 65-year-old’.
Sharing their experiences of joining the industry later in their lives, many admit that they wouldn’t have had the same confidence to model in their underwear in their twenties, and say it has turned their attitude towards aging around.
Elsewhere one even claims that being an older model is the ‘easiest fashion gig yet’, admitting that others show him a ‘courtesy and respect’ that younger models don’t get, adding: ‘In the words of Coco Chanel – fashion fades, style endures’.
Jack Foley, 51, Canada
Jack Foley, 51, originally from Canada, has worked on international acting and modelling campaigns for big brands including Volvo, Haagen Dazs ice cream and Huawei, playing their cool Father Christmas.
Jack Foley, originally from Canada, has worked on international acting and modelling campaigns for big brands including Volvo, Haagen Dazs ice cream and Huawei, playing their cool Father Christmas.
An avid fitness fan, the model admits he keeps his physique in shape by snowboarding, taking part in Tough Mudder, Heli-boarding, martial arts, and adventure racing.
He even partakes in a spot of rock climbing, hockey and advanced yoga and has previously moonlighted as a barman.
‘I’m also an advanced cigar smoker and scotch drinker,’ he jokes.
Jack Foley began acting and modelling later in life than is typical,and spent his former years as a successful home builder, before being recruited by a modelling agency in 2016.
Shortly after joining the industry, he landed several national commercial and print ads.
After a fresh start in modelling and commercials Jack decided to pursue his hand at acting and was signed with an exclusive acting agency based out of Toronto.
A former builder, Jack – who started modelling after being scouted later in life – admits that modelling can be more intimidating than acting when it comes to competition, as you can’t hide behind a character
Speaking about his experience in the industry, he says: ‘Modelling for me is the perfect balance to my acting career.
‘Acting is truly emotive and you can do anything from pretending to be a proud father-of-the-bride, to playing a zen guru for a power tool company.
‘This now is very much a part of being a model, as acting and modeling cross over and the line blurs between the two, but modelling is very much about being yourself.
‘This year I appeared on the runway during Toronto’s Spring 2019 Fashion week walking for designer David Dixon.’
Admitting that modelling can be more intimidating when it comes to competition, he explains: ‘You cannot hide behind a character or role when modelling and that can be daunting – being looked at for your hair, your physique, your smile and celebrated for how you look in online rating polls.’
Jack admits his life has changed and he is even approached and recognised by members of the public, leaving him humbled.
He admits that his 20-year-old daughter jokes: ‘It took my dad 50 years but finally he can be considered cool’.
‘My outdoor activities keep my feet firmly on the ground though and ego in check’, he admits.
Mike Millen, 66, Kent
Mike Millen, 66, from Kent, was once described as the ‘fittest 65-year-old’ in the country by athlete Kelly Holmes and has run over five London marathons
Mike has been described as the ‘fittest 65-year-old’ in the country by athlete Kelly Holmes.
He has run over five London marathons, completing one in 3 hours & 6 minutes following a broken ankle the previous month.
The model, who was one of the earliest extreme Tough Mudders to try out and advice on courses, outworks people half his age in the gym.
After being named the face of Lyle & Scott underwear, he even claimed: ‘I look better than them!’.
This year he has already ran a half marathon in the Caribbean and had a training workout session in the Himalayas.
Dame Kelly Holmes even sought out Michael for an interview after seeing his images and YouTube clips.
Speaking about him at the time, she said: ‘Mike Millen, 65 years old, is probably fitter and stronger than a lot of us. He has an incredible outlook on life. A model, fitness ambassador and an inspiration to many. Mike is fit, focused and loving life.’
It is true. Mike Millen is at the top of his game when it comes to training, and when he’s in the gym, it’s him showing others just how far the human body can be pushed.
You might find him jumping onto an exercise ball to do squats, balancing on a kettlebell for pushups or hanging from the ceiling for a set of pull-ups.
The model, who was one of the earliest extreme Tough Mudders to try out and advice on courses, outworks people half his age in the gym
Explaining that he is an age-positive fitness ambassador, he believes mobility is the key to health in age.
He says: ‘I have enjoyed all sports and an active lifestyle for a long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of kicking a football around in the street where I grew up and I went on to be semi professional.’
His path in fitness led him into the modelling industry, and he admits: ‘I really enjoy modeling, it’s so instantaneous, you never know what your expected to and very little time to prepare.’
Remembering the day of the underwear shoot, he says: ‘On arrival at Lyle & Scott I of course knew the shoot was for underwear but had not realized it was just about me and how my physique apparently looks so much better than younger men.
‘It was very amusing and a lot of fun too. Modelling can also take me out of my comfort zone as brands come up with such creative ideas that use my lifestyle and physique to promote their brands.
‘You meet so many interesting and amazingly positive people on set and at castings. I hope it also inspires people of all ages and abilities to continue to enjoy life even in their later years’.
Orlando Hobechi, 50, London
Orlando, 50, from London, who is Isreali and Finnish, has secured top commissions with names including Dune and was specifically chosen by celebrity photographer, Rankin, to work a the World Cancer Awareness campaign
Orlando, who is Isreali and Finnish, has secured top commissions with names including Dune and was specifically chosen by celebrity photographer, Rankin, to work a the World Cancer Awareness campaign.
Despite his modesty, Orlando is described as one of the most significant mature male models in the world, a professional photographer and a model scout for top agencies.
Reflecting on how his confidence has grown, he says: ‘Today as a comfortable 50-year-old man who is happy in his own skin, I am far from the boy that disliked his reflection.
‘If you asked me 30 years ago if I would stand in front of the camera and feel comfortable to pose and smile the answer would’ve been no.
‘As a child I felt invisible, as I was dyslexic and under developed and didn’t fit in with the cool group of kids, the clever, sporty or any group.
‘My life changed on my 13th birthday when my uncle came to my room and gave me a camera.
‘From that moment I felt like I’d been handed a superpower and my fate was sealed.
‘After some time I started to specialise with headshots for actors and enjoyed bringing out the characteristics of clients’ features.
‘I lived between Miami and London and have been lucky enough to see how the fashion industry has changed through the years.’
Reflecting on how his confidence has grown, he says: ‘Today as a comfortable 50-year-old man who is happy in his own skin, I am far from the boy that disliked his reflection’
‘One day I came across Grey Model Agency, and the owner Rebecca was talking about how beauty can be found in everyone, regardless of their age.
‘This resonated with me so I sent her a few pictures and she accepted me on her books.
‘After several campaigns and a commercial under my belt I’m able to be the person I always wanted to be and have the confidence to be myself – if you let the camera catch that in you are doing a great job.’
Speaking about how becoming a mature model has changed his views, he says: ‘Today I can see age is not a barrier to success, only if you let it. I don’t carry the insecurities around that I had when I was younger or care what people think.
‘I don’t feel invisible as I go grey but that I inspire the next generation to look good whatever their age.
‘Encouragingly the fashion industry has started to recognise there is a place for older models and we’re starting to make a mark but we still have some way to go.
‘I’m not the tallest and I’m not the most handsome and I’m not everyone’s cup of tea but now I know that’s what makes me so special.’
Ernie Blocksage, 61, London
Ernie Blocksage, 61, from London won a place on the agency’s books when he applied through the website application page with three images – and his unique rock’n’roll looks and musician background proved a hit
A self-taught singer/ songwriter, percussionist and guitarist, he has travelled extensively and also speaks German, his worldly looks winning him many jobs
Ernie won a place on the agency’s books when he applied through the website application page with three images – and his unique rock’n’roll looks and musician background proved a hit.
He says: ‘The last time I did some modelling, was 25 years ago in New York on my daughter Emma’s shoot for Spanish Vogue, and now all of a sudden I’m doing it again!’
A self-taught singer/ songwriter, percussionist and guitarist, he has travelled extensively and also speaks German, his worldly looks winning him many jobs.
‘Modelling is a performance like any other really. You are creating a vision, an idea or an aspirational concept to promote a service or a brand.
‘I enjoy the involvement a model has on set and can give toward the final creative result – there is an element of acting involved.
‘I love it! The whole thing, the sets, hair, makeup, wardrobe the professionalism, atmosphere, lighting, cameras……..’Hold that pose’.
Jason Jules, 55, London
Jason has spent his life in fashion, working in design before turning to modelling more recently – which he describes as the ‘easiest fashion gig yet’
Sharing his motto on being an older model, Jason says: ‘In the words of Coco Chanel – fashion fades, style endures’
Jason has spent his life in fashion, working in design before turning to modelling more recently.
He runs a menswear accessories label called House of Garmsville and has worked as a trend watcher for labels such as Red Wing, Dickies, Caterpillar and Gant Rugger.
He says: ‘I spent all my working life involved in fashion, doing marketing for brands like Levi, to working with magazines like GQ.
‘I’d have to say modelling – as an older model – has to be the easiest fashion gig I’ve had.
‘I know that wouldn’t be the case if I were younger, but when people in a professional environment see a guy old enough to be their dad – or even their granddad – walk into a room, they instantly show him a kind of deference, a level of courtesy that younger models – male or female, rarely get.
‘It’s not just the age factor though, I think they realise that as an older model you pretty much can’t be phased by stuff.
‘You’re there to do the best job possible, sure, but you’re there because you want to be, not because you think it’ll change your life or make you an overnight star.
‘Do I feel too old to be doing this? No, not at all, in fact as Coco Chanel once said, ‘Fashion fades, style endures’.’
Jevon Antoni, 73, London
Jevon Antoni, 73, from London, began his 50 years career in the theatre, film and TV industry undertaking various roles from performer, opera singer, ballet dancer, to costumer designer at the Royal Ballet School in London
Formerly sharing a flat with ‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers, he juggles his new life as a model with painting, cooking and interior design and believes being a model is about being an ’empty, mouldable vessel’
Jevon began his 50 years career in the theatre, film and TV industry undertaking various roles from performer, opera singer, ballet dancer, to costumer designer at the Royal Ballet School in London.
He even choreographed Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat,’ for which he won First Prize in the Baden Baden television festiva and a BAFTA nomination for ‘Stanley Baxter on Television’.
Jevon’s costume design has been embraced by the likes of Elton John, Cilla Black and Duran Duran.
Formerly sharing a flat with ‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers, he juggles his new life as a model with painting, cooking and interior design.
He says: ‘Being a model is not about ‘me’ or my self-importance. My attitude toward being a mature male model is drawn from my experiences as a professional performer.
‘I take great pleasure in being tested with new experiences and often being way out of my comfort zone.
‘On a recent shoots I was asked to dance a tango with an unfamiliar male and had such fun creating instantly convincing intimate shots.’
He admits sometimes he has to keep his modelling hat on, adding: ‘I have to restrain the ‘tailor’ in me; putting forward suggestions like ‘You do realise that button is still undone or, wouldn’t the outfit look better if I wore white socks?’
‘As a model I must be an empty vessel. After many years in front of the camera, it is something of a relief to cast aside the image of the young perfectly-formed knight in shining armour look and grow into an elegant-eccentric character.
‘My grandfather was a designer, and worked with my grandmother as tailor-makers designing the first Metropolitan Railway Women’s uniforms, so it seems that the industry is routed deep inside my psyche!’
Matthew Morris, 49, Shanghai
Matthew Morris, 49, from Australia, is one of the more alternative models on the books and boasts breathtaking tattoo work
Australian-born Matthew is a professional dancer who has worked with critically acclaimed dance and theatre companies for over 30 years, and is currently based in Shanghai with Punchdrunk performing in Sleep No More.
One of the more alternative models on the books, his unique look and notable body artwork have won him a range of projects.
He has worked for Esprit and Milanese brand Billionnaire ,who flew Matthew in from Shanghai last year for their AW18 runway show.
A professional international dancer, Matthew tours the world from New York to China, in between being booked for briefs involving vivid colours and texture.
His image lends itself to shoots involving frills, animal prints, costume, the bizarre and the bold. In
However it’s not his first stint in the industry, and during the 1970s he was a child model in Sydney.
Forty years later he was spotted in London by the menswear designer of House of Nines to be the face for their label of the season, and since then he has worked for multiple editorials, campaigns, runway shows and advertising.
One of the more alternative models on the books, his unique look and notable body artwork have won him a range of projects
He says: ‘I’m proud to be involved in redefining ideals of beauty, identity and age.
‘We’re unique in the world of modelling for striving to achieve this diversity, specifically through it’s range of mature models, but also in actively redefining beauty.
‘I have been with the agency since the start and have seen it evolve of the last four years from a classics agency with an edge, to where it is now representing a strong diverse range of atypical looks. Brands are noticing and taking action on this lead’.
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