How Lesley Manville became a fashion muse at 68

Their loss is Loewe’s gain. The brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson also has form in casting midlife-plus celebrities in advertising campaigns: Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2022 (then 84) and Dame Maggie Smith in 2023 (then 88) have modelled for Loewe in recent years, and the response from both the industry and customers has been enthusiastic.

Other brands have been at it too. The late Joan Didion modelled for Celine in 2015 at the age of 80; Isabelle Huppert, 71, is a face of Balenciaga, and Pamela Anderson, 56 – now more famous for her flawless skin and aversion to makeup than her red Baywatch swimsuit – has been the face of Jacquemus and Proenza Schouler. Mid- and later life has never looked more chic.

You don’t need a designer budget to channel Manville’s approach to style. By adhering to a few key tenets, it’s easy to inject a little youthful cool into your wardrobe too…

Keep it relaxed

Nothing about Manville’s appearance looks overly “done”, says Annabel Hodin, a personal stylist who has particular expertise in working with women who are midlife and beyond. “Nothing is too stiff. She could have just run her fingers through her well-cut hair, added a splash of strong lipstick and voila, she exudes confidence and style and ease. As if no effort was taken, but everything is curated to achieve this.”