74-year-old model proves age doesn’t matter—she has a great answer for people who criticize her
At 74, Colleen Heidemann is a stylish trendsetter who doesn’t let ageist views dictate her fashion choices. Despite some saying her looks are “too young” for her, Colleen keeps in great shape and began her modeling career at 68. By 74, she even landed on the cover of Vogue.
Influenced by timeless icons like Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor, Heidemann stands up against ageism daily. She expressed her views in a DSCENE interview, highlighting that while society might see older women as less relevant after menopause, she views it as an “Age of Enlightenment.”
She believes this period is an opportunity to learn, feel, think, and experience more while cherishing life’s joys. Her message is clear: stay active, engaged, and truly alive no matter your age.
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Once a flight attendant, Heidemann transitioned into modeling and acting, appearing in the 2021 film “Father of Flies” and the 2020 TV series “Last Looks” alongside Dakota Fanning. However, she confesses that her journey wasn’t always filled with self-assurance, stating, “Time and experience and a sincere desire for change are such enormously precious gifts.” Today, her influence spans various age groups: she’s graced the cover of Vogue Portugal, amassed nearly 500,000 Instagram followers, and garnered 4.1 million likes on TikTok.
Heidemann, a sensation online, combines a humble character with bold fashion choices like miniskirts, ripped jeans, and thigh-high heels. Her posts on fashion and beauty emphasize that age doesn’t define beauty. When questioned about her fashion sense, she explained she doesn’t stick to one particular style. Instead, she’s now embracing clothes she wouldn’t have chosen in her younger years, adding that she doesn’t limit herself to one image. She knows what works for her and recognizes instantly how a piece will flatter her body.
@colleen_heidemann I just never know the face the makeup will reveal ❤️❤️❤️ And I adore the opportunity of challenging new personalities. Thank you “Proud Mary”. . Makeup by the wonderful @janicedaoud ❣️ . #glamsession #makeuplove #proudmary #styleover70 ♬ original sound – Tom Wills
In June, Heidemann shared a TikTok video with Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” as the backdrop. The video, which has received 1.4 million likes, showcases her makeup transformation, featuring bright blue eyeliner and bold red lips. The caption reads: “I just never know the face the makeup will reveal. And I adore the opportunity of challenging new personalities. Thank you ‘Proud Mary.’” Fans were quick to shower her with praise, with comments such as “I just love this beautiful lady,” and “Have a great day Colleen.. you look absolutely stunning.. grace, elegance, class and oh such beauty!!”
Heidemann often responds to her fans’ comments with heartfelt “Thank you so very much” messages. Although most of her followers admire her confidence and elegance, some criticize her bold fashion choices. After a remark deemed her poolside outfit “not appropriate for her age,” Heidemann clapped back with a TikTok video. She advised her viewers to “wear what makes you feel beautiful,” emphasizing that “every body is a swimsuit body.”
Fans regularly praise Heidemann’s striking appearance and positive outlook. One admirer exclaimed, “I don’t want to look like that when I’m older, I want to look like that NOW!! Gorgeous!!” While another, who wrote, “I love that kind of positivity,” fetched a response from Heidemann: “Thank you, it is so important to find something positive in each day.”
@colleen_heidemann Addressing the subjects of taste, preference and age are so highly and uniquely individual… which makes this world such a wonderfully remarkably fascinating and interesting place. Freedom to dress as you wish, to be who you are is yours to own❣️❣️❣️ • #fashionover70 #stylesession #styleover70 #dressyourage #dressmyagehowiwant ♬ original sound – Colleen Heidemann
In a standout TikTok post, Heidemann confidently strides the streets in a chic black lace outfit, her white hair styled in a stylish, tousled knot. She declares, “We are strong. We are not invisible. I dress my age however I want.” Her powerful caption reads: Addressing the subjects of taste, preference and age are so highly and uniquely individual… which makes this world such a wonderfully remarkably fascinating and interesting place. Freedom to dress as you wish, to be who you are is yours to own.”
Colleen Heidemann stands as a beacon of hope for many, inspiring countless women with her self-confidence and stance against ageism. Her powerful narrative serves as a reminder that aging is a journey to be celebrated, not dreaded. Let’s spread her uplifting story and cheer for this remarkable individual!
