Stretch It Out
When Kate Bell headed out on her first modelling job 30 years ago, she never imagined that she would still be in front of the camera in her 50s. Far from slowing down, however, Kate says her modelling career is going from strength to strength.
“I’ve never stopped. At 40, I worked throughout Europe with the world’s first mature-model agency, based in the UK. I knew it was just a matter of time before advertisers would follow the money: the world’s largest target market is 50-plus women, after all. I’m in it for the long haul: I’m gonna surf this thing.”
“I’ve never stopped. At 40, I worked throughout Europe with the world’s first mature-model agency, based in the UK. I knew it was just a matter of time before advertisers would follow the money: the world’s largest target market is 50-plus women, after all. I’m in it for the long haul: I’m gonna surf this thing.”
Top + above: Wrap triangle top, $135, and high waist brief, $135, both by Matteau
Modelling is just one of Kate’s careers, however. She has also been teaching yoga for 20 years. Yoga has been a feature of her life for as long as she can remember.
“As a little kid I copied Swami Sarasvati doing yoga on TV and made up my own sessions that included freeform dance. I did yoga for PE at high school and I tagged along with my big sister to yoga classes at the local squash courts.”
Kate practises Iyengar yoga and says Light On Yoga, by the technique’s guru, BKS Iyengar, is her yoga bible.
“The book came my way when I was 16 and kept me constant company for the next 35 years – it’s the foundation of my personal practice.
Top: One shoulder, one-piece swimsuit, $189.95, by Monte and Lou. Above: Scoop swimsuit by Matteau,$300, black tights by Lululemon
“When I started out as a teacher I worked in gyms and yoga schools. For the last 17 years, however, I’ve been working as a personal yoga teacher in my clients’ homes. Yoga is my anchor. The physical side keeps me strong, the philosophical side gives me direction.”
As she heads into her 50s, Kate says life is simpler than it has ever been. “By 40, we’re wising up to the fact that we are the sum total of our thoughts and actions. At 50, it’s clearly time to own your shit and do your bit. Life is suddenly finite, and what’s important is obvious.”
“By 40, we’re wising up to the fact that we are the sum total of our thoughts and actions. At 50, it’s clearly time to own your shit and do your bit. Life is suddenly finite, and what’s important is obvious.”
Top: White wrap top, $225, by St. Agni. Bikini wrap triangle top, $135, and brief, $135, both by Matteau. Above: White one-piece swimsuit $160 by Gunes Collective
Words & Styling_ Aileen Marr
Photos_ Sean Slattery
Hair & Make-Up_ Desiree Wise