I’ve been following Marielle (49) on Instagram almost since the start of the project. She is one of Holland’s “older models” that you regularly encounter in magazines and advertising campaigns. Until recently, she was still on my wishlist, but a few weeks ago, she finally stood in front of my lens. As a team we created the fashion story “50 shades of grey“”. Today also a small part of the interview with her because of course I wanted to know more about this beautiful lady’s life and view on aging.
Tell Us About Yourself?
My name is Marielle, but friends call me Mar. I am a 1.80-meter-tall Dutchie living in the center of Amsterdam with my DJ husband Alex (64), our son Marin (18), daughter Alana (16), and our two British Shorthair cats, Teddy and Boeffie (both 3).
I have been working as a model since I was scouted in Paradiso when I was 18 years but as I didn’t like the modeling industry at all in the beginning (I was too insecure I guess). I combined modeling with a part-time job as a flight attendant for a Dutch commercial airline and later for the Royal Dutch Air-force. Cool because we had terrific missions to special places and could refuel F16’s in the air with our DC10 and I had a great time, but it was hard to combine with motherhood so I quit flying for the Royal Dutch Airforce when I got pregnant.
Nowadays I like to combine my blooming grey-haired modeling career with hosting guests in our lovely B&B at our attic in Amsterdam.
What would you say is the strangest thing about becoming older?
I have to wear reading glasses more often…
You are a professional fashion model. Can you tell us about your career as an older model?
When I started 30 years ago, when I was 18 years, your modeling career was more or less over around your thirties, that was the moment to look for another job. I’m so glad the industry is slowly changing and I’m happy if I can contribute even if it’s for just a bit. When I turned 17, my beautiful silver-haired mom pulled out my first grey hairs. I dyed it for years but decided to ditch the dye 4 years ago as I was fed up with my roots showing after just 5 days of coloring and the most important, I found my colored hair didn’t suit my face and appearance anymore. I just wasn’t me anymore.
At first my model agency and friends were shocked when I informed them as I was one of the first who decided to turn grey at such a young age. After all it turned out of one my best decisions, I feel more confident and grateful for growing older naturally. and even my critical teenagers find me more beautiful now I’m grey. Perhaps it helped me to become a bit more me/my true self. The process makes you humble, and you have to be patient, but it does wonders for self-acceptance.
That was the start of a brilliant midlife. I feel more confident and in balance, worry less and love my career as an older model. Now that my kids are grown up, I can accept international shoots without feeling guilty traveling so often. I love meeting and working with older and younger models and don’t feel any competition or insecurities like in the 90’s but feel encouraged and inspired by them all. I still do lingerie shoots, and most of the time, I’m by far the oldest of the team (sometimes more than twice their age), but it’s fun, and I like to inspire them and show that you can work even when you’re older and grey.
Of course I have to take care of my body and make sure I get enough sleep but I’m not stressed out about fine-lines and don’t follow any diet. (Thank you Mom for good genes) Some years ago, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and started lifting some badass weights, practicing pilates, yoga, and spinning regularly in order to postpone an operation, and with success!!!
I feel stronger, more energized and more flexible than in my 20’s.
What is, according to you, the best part of getting older?
Becoming you… and able to see things in perspective.
And the worst?
I had to think about that… I’m feeling kinda stiff in the mornings, and I have to find a way to deal with some menopause problems as I can have strong reactions lately, but only and especially towards my love, haha.
What kind of advice would you give your younger self?
You’re doing well. Follow your heart and try to trust your instinct more; you are right. Stay true to yourself, stay authentic, and stay humble. It suits you, but you don’t have to be so insecure. What’s to lose? You never know until you ask. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Do you have any regrets?
Not really… Where you currently are = your starting point + the sum of your past decisions.
What’s your latest Google search?
Let me check… the restaurant where we had dinner last night with Alex and one of my best friends. (I’m very on my own, so it was about time to meet up again with my dear friends, and it was delightful.)
And, of course, Rick Owens my all-time favorite, haha.
Any favorite beauty product we should know of?
I don’t leave the house without sunscreen, and for years, I’ve been using the w skin line of Dr. Jetske Ultee (Dutch skincare). I love the smell and texture of the Neroli-cleansing oil of Wildcraftscosmetics (Australia); it’s so good.
I just try to keep my aging skin well-hydrated for a natural glow. In my leisure time, I don’t use any makeup but curl my eyelashes with the Surrat eyelash curler, a great tip from Ruby, a fabulous make-up artist in London.
What’s your age and how old do you feel?
I’m 50 and feeling like 50, and it feels absolutely fine! Just grateful for every year of living in good health with my loved ones.
Styling by Dayenne Bekker
Makeup Esther van Maanen
Hair by Mark van Westerop for ProSolo Alkmaar
