I’m the world’s oldest model at 95

STRIKING a pose, Jane Whitlock puts all the other models in the shade.
She has an extra something that the teenage girls on her shoot do not — many, many years of life experience.

At the grand old age of 95, she believes she is the world’s oldest model.

Fun-loving Jane was amazed when she got signed up for her first modelling campaign just ten weeks ago.
And even more amazed, but also delighted, when asked to pose in LATEX.

Jane got the job after her daughter Gloria, 69, decided to try out for a modelling agency and took her along too — only for both to get signed.

They ended up modelling latex outfits by up-and-coming British designer Catriona Stewart for her website.

Like mother, like daughter ... Jane and Gloria in a shoot together

Jane says: “I thought I might get some work modelling twinsets and pearls, but latex never crossed my mind.

“I wasn’t scared. In fact, I am going to buy the skirt I was modelling!

“We were alongside models who are 19, and some of the clothes are very naughty indeed. But for us it’s a chance to show that older ladies can look fabulous and begin a modelling career at our age.

”Sassy Jane worked in an ammunitions factory during World War Two and even during those times of hardship and ration books, she saved coupons to ensure she sported the latest trends.

Jane, of Beaconsfield, Bucks, says: “I remember when King George was on the throne and when Queen Elizabeth took over the crown.

“I spent weeks trying to make dresses like hers, modelling myself on her style. I always dreamt of being a model but, what with being married, the war and having children, I put it to one side. Now it is time to shine.”

Red-dy for her close-up ... Jane

Jane and Gloria are signed to Ugly, an agency which specialises in real-life and alternative models.

Jane, a retired shoe shop worker, adds: “I believe I am the oldest female model on the books of any major agency. Now I want to hit the catwalk and do photographic work for some top designers.

“Whatever Kendall Jenner can do, this soon-to-be 96-year-old can do better.”
Jane refuses point-blank to collect her bus pass or give in to old age.

She says: “I am not a knitting-and-bingo OAP. I like doing different things and every day ensure I look my best.

“I want other people in their nineties to know you are never too old to try something new.

“Those Kardashian girls haven’t got anything on myself and my daughter.

“My 32-year-old grandson Steven, who is a nurse, even helped out at the shoot and he was a little shocked to see Granny in latex — but dead proud.

“Now I can tell my OAP pals I don’t have a dodgy hip but that I am hip.”

Pose ... Jane and Gloria

Jane, a trim size 12, dreams of modelling for punk grande dame Vivienne Westwood and Chanel.
She says: “Or that boy called Kanye — you know, the chap with the beige-stocking fashion. And I do like that dear girl Victoria Beckham.”

With her first modelling job under her belt, Jane is now going to castings and has high hopes for the future.

She says: “I loved the feeling of the latex and hope my next job will be just as interesting.”

Over the years, Jane has followed many a catwalk career with a keen eye. She says: “I remember when Twiggy was born. I was in my seventies when Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell were making their names, and celebrating my 80th when Kate Moss was dominating magazine covers.

“Now it’s my turn and I will model anything, as long as it’s tastefully done.

Latex factor ... Gloria and Jane

“I mean, latex on a 95-year–old? People say it’s outrageous, but I say it’s wonderful.”

Recalling how her modelling adventure started, Jane says Gloria took her along for the casting after seeing an advert.

Gloria says: “I often get complimented on my long hair and good looks and had read that more and more old models are needed, as older women are becoming a powerhouse when it comes to buying clothes.

“I figured the worst that could happen was they’d tell me to go home. I told Mum and asked if she could come along — and when the model agency saw her, they signed her up straight away.

Bow-tiful ... Gloria

“She did some sample poses for them and they were stunned that she was 95 and such a firecracker.

“Now Mum’s absolutely thrilled.”

Jane, a widow since 1995 following the death of her movie prop-maker husband Thomas, also has a son, William, 68.

She lives with Gloria and son-in-law Ian Coates, 73, an office worker. And Gloria could not be prouder of her mum.

She says: “She has always been my inspiration. She always wears fashionable outfits and, at almost 96, she refuses to go anywhere without full make-up.”