Model Lauren Hutton Continues to Chart Her Own Course at 78 by Being Unapologetically Herself

Pioneer. Iconoclast. Beacon.

There are so many powerful words we could use to describe Lauren Hutton—but the one that stands out the most to us is: powerhouse. That’s because Hutton has always embraced a true sense of self and exuded a remarkable steadiness that has inspired us for decades. As one of the world’s most famous supermodels, Hutton has navigated the harsh fashion world with equal parts clout and class. She’s timeless and has honored her place in an industry that is ruthless toward aging women.

“I was about to become 30, and I knew I was about to expire, and wanted to protect myself with a contract that would guarantee I kept working for years to come,” Hutton wrote in her recent essay for BAZAAR Magazine. At the time, this contract was the biggest in the industry, she continued. It showed Hutton’s drive to never let the industry’s executives squeeze her out because of her age.

We applaud this beacon for radically reframing aging. Hutton shows us that beauty and savvy business acumen never ages out. Nor does doing things your way.

“Modeling is like playing the violin: You have to practice every day,” she writes. “Now when I look at the camera, I’ve learned to picture my lover’s face, my godkids’ faces, my friends’—whoever I need in there.”

Read and watch more about Hutton in BAZAAR.