Carmen Dell’Orefice + Claridge’s Hotel Mayfair London

Model Behaviour

Lavender’s Blue caught up with the inimitably monocled magnificently manicured Carmen Dell’Orefice when she recently stayed in a Diane von Furstenberg designed hotel suite (where else?) in London. She was fresh – very fresh indeed – off the runways of New York Fashion Week where she stole the show walking for Norisol Ferrari.

Those cheekbones sharp enough to slice bread with … the thoroughbred aquiline nose … the gunshot grey and lilac hooded eyelids … the supremely elegant arch of her back … that majestic mane of silvery white hair … Her legendary beauty and regalness have been captured on countless occasions by the great and the good of the photographic world. But in the flesh she is even more enticing, more exquisite, more natural and best of all armed with a wicked sense of humour that celluloid could never capture. We fell about laughing as she exaggeratedly demonstrated some of her more extreme model poses with all the elasticity of a teenager. The secret of her suppleness? One hour’s stretching exercises in the morning, she confided. Over to Carmen:

“I have worked with all the best photographers long before digital photography came along. Back then, photographers talked a different language. I don’t consider images taken of me belong to me. They are the products of the photographers who are mental and spiritual sculptors. I don’t think about the labels people give me. I’m too busy! I never chose to be in my profession. I learnt to achieve. Have the passion to live. Life is worth living. Do some good when no one is looking.” Inspirational isn’t a strong enough word.

“I am still thinking of who I am. Think of who you are and where your passions lie. When young guys like you tell me I’m inspiring I know there’s hope for the future of this world. The idea is from 80 to 100 to slow down but quite sure how I’m not sure yet. I may be the last link to a golden age and I’m going out with my heels on! I love being silent. Take life seriously.” And with that, she burst out laughing.