MODEL COLLEEN HEIDEMANN : ON AGEISM NOW
THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE BI-ANNUAL PRINT ISSUE OF A BOOK OF (A BOOK OF: NOW, SEPTEMBER 2019)
WORDS BY IRVIN RIVERA
Model Colleen Heidemann is consistently breaking molds and stereotypes in the fashion industry by inspiring models along the whole age spectrum to be empowered and confident in their own skin. She is a solid testament that shows no matter what the season is self-confidence will always be in fashion.
In this story, the model from Next Model Management talks about ageism, and why it is essential to be included in the contemporary discourse about fashion, the workplace, and the society in general.
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA
STYLIST: MONICA CARGILE
MAKE-UP: ANTHONY MERANTE USING MAC COSMETICS
HAIR: HILDA FLORES
PHOTO ASST: NORIO CHALICO
PRODUCER: BRI MARANGA
YOUTH MODELS: AMARA MARON, ALESSIA KUEHNE, SOFIA CORTEZ
“Today it seems that those over the age of 60 have simply been banished, only to receive celebratory kudos upon reaching the age of 100. Women, in particular, feel utterly invisible and entirely dismissed; the splendor and nobility of a grand symphony lie within the presence and participation of its myriad components. The “plus-agées sect“are the violins of the orchestra. Their music is fanciful, fearless, feisty and fun. Their flair has its own form of beauty and majesty, and they have a right to be a visible, viable part of the world in which they live.“(Colleen Heidemann for Advanced Style: Older and Wiser)
For you, what is NOW?
At this stage of my life I have come to realize that I am so much less willing to depend upon or relate to time as it pertains to the future. Whether we are truly able to admit it or not, the moment, THIS MOMENT, is all one ever has to really call one’s own. This is not to say that I do not think about or consider a future but ever so much differently than when I was younger. I find myself asking ever so frequently if this might be the last opportunity one would have to think or say or do something, might it not be ever so much more important to leave a positive or meaningful thought or hug, comment or kiss with one than not?
“Visibility as it especially relates to the older woman within the fashion industry is beginning to show some sign of consequential shifting; albeit at a glacial pace. Age representation is absolutely necessary at every stage in life- for children, adults and grand adults; as recognizing your meaningful contribution upon the world’s stage is of such important and critical relevance.”
How do you take care of yourself?
Other than the initial hour or two of preparation in the morning, I never chose to look back to reapply or “refurbish.” once is quite well enough for me. If I were I able to turn the clock back I would hope that I might chose a skin care regimen of creams, lotion and sunblock. The lack of was a very poor choice and one does eventually pay the price for damaged skin. Today, however, I find myself at last using a better skin care regimen, being adamant with exercise (walking, hiking, ballet), eating more carefully than I ever have and so importantly, insisting upon the joy and pleasure which are obtained by surrounding myself with loving, supportive persons. Never fail to recognize your friends and your family (one and the same, to me) are your true fortune in life!
What advice can you provide to any woman or girl out there who wishes to pursue a successful career in modeling?
Honestly, it is not easy for me to provide advice when this is such a very personal and subjective topic. What I would offer, however, is if at all possible to choose that which provides you a meaningful purpose within your life and at the end of the day feel that you have contributed something to others not only to yourself.
What is your stand in the status quo of visibility and ageism today?
Visibility as it especially relates to the older woman within the fashion industry is beginning to show some sign of consequential shifting; albeit at a glacial pace. Age representation is absolutely necessary at every stage in life- for children, adults and grand adults; as recognizing your meaningful contribution upon the world’s stage is of such important and critical relevance. We are a world of all. Not merely some.
