CARRE OTIS: FROM SUPERMODEL TO SILVER MODEL

Carre Otis has never been just another pretty face. She was the smoky-eyed enigma of the ’80s and ’90s—a wild, untamed force who graced the pages of Vogue, walked for the biggest names in fashion, and stared down the camera lens with an intensity that made the world stop and stare. But behind the supermodel sheen was a young woman thrown into an industry that devoured innocence and thrived on excess. Fashion was intoxicating—unbridled creativity, late-night shoots, legendary photographers, and a true camaraderie among artists. But it was also dangerous, a world where boundaries blurred and silence was expected. Otis didn’t just survive it—she emerged stronger, wiser, and unafraid to tell the truth.

Now, at 56, she’s back—only this time, she’s calling the shots. No longer the ingénue trying to fit the industry’s impossible mold, Otis is a silver-haired siren redefining what beauty looks like beyond 50. She’s fierce, unfiltered, and wholly unapologetic, embracing every wrinkle and battle scar as proof of a life truly lived. In this raw and riveting interview, she spills on the untamed fashion scene of the past, the dark realities behind the glamour, and her unshakable belief that aging isn’t something to fight—it’s something to own.

IRK: You became a household name in the fashion world at a very young age. Looking back, how do you feel about the modeling industry during that era?

Carre Otis: That’s a great question and has many layers. It was truly an iconic moment in the industry. Unbridled. Wild. Creative. There were true artists. Passionate. Committed. Visionary. Courageous. There was a  true collaboration and a workforce that wasn’t afraid to roll their sleeves up and do whatever it took to catch a moment, a picture, a vibe. It was a time when the whole entire crew, which was the talent, was all in. Whatever it was that needed to be done to capture a brilliant photo was done by whomever. Whether it was their lane or not!

We were all involved and invested, we worked all hours to do our jobs, and we all worked hard. And it showed. The images of those times are like pieces of art you would hang on your walls. TO THIS DAY. I do. I was in many of those images. However, there was the flip side of that. With it all also came folks that were unhinged. Went too far. Knew no decent boundaries. And took advantage.

Honestly, I was so young that I did not know anything different. I really did my growing up in this industry, at a very wild time. With it came the great as well as the dark and incredibly inappropriate. Many people think that I went to work as a teen and immediately became a household name but in truth, there were several years I was in NY, Paris, and Milan and was a complete unknown as a kid and it wasn’t until my second go around that I then became a household name.

IRK: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a young model in the ’80s and ’90s?

Carre Otis: When I first started out I was forever chasing what was considered ‘in’ and desirable. In NYC at seventeen, I faced the challenge that I didn’t look like Kim Alexis or Christie Brinkley. I wasn’t blond and voluptuous. I was told I looked too European. So I was sent to France. There I was told I looked too American. This went on for quite some time. But some of the more frightening challenges was the fact that I was a child, a kid, trying to navigate a very adult and often inappropriate world where there was little consent and much expectation. A world where agents gave me cocaine to use to stay thin and had me going to meetings at night in apartments with adult men.

There was no language in and around sexual misconduct or harassment in or out of the workplace. There were endless jobs and occasions I had to simply endure wildly inappropriate behavior. And many, if not most, agents did not work to protect their models. They often profited off of their abuse. Discrimination and objectification were commonplace. One of the greatest challenges was these behaviors being normalized by an entire industry.

IRK: You worked with some of the most iconic photographers and designers of the time. Are there any particular moments or collaborations that stand out to you?

Carre Otis: So many! Guy Bourdin at 17 in Paris. I hadn’t a clue who he was and that he was a master photographer. Irving Penn in NYC. Richard Avedon for a Cosmo cover. Helmut Newton. My favorite of all time hands down ever was my relationship and collaborations with

Herb Ritts. Herbs team was always handpicked, carefully curated, incredible artists.

Francesca Tolot and Serena Radaelli. We traveled the world capturing incredible images. Many were immersed in nature and the coalescence of the elements was just stunning. Staggeringly beautiful. Another one of my favorite teams was Albert Watson, Manuella Pavesi, Kerry Warn, and Mary Greenwell. Stylist Polly Mellen. Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele. Unbelievable talent!

How did your experience in Hollywood, particularly your role in WildOrchid, shape your perspective on fame and beauty? I wrote about this topic in my memoir, The shift for me from modeling to movies was not kind. It was eye-opening. Thankfully it was before social media but even then, the scrutiny was terrible. The judgment and commentary, the players. Hollywood is its own beast. It’s incredibly cruel and vicious.

Fame is a trap of addiction, ego, and public madness! I want to be far from these things. Beauty, as cliched as it sounds, comes from within. Comes from a soul and that soul’s intention. Lord knows I have met many beautiful people but when their character is not one of kindness and humility, that physical beauty does not hold up. And vice versa!

IRK: Over the years, you’ve been vocal about the pressures of the fashion industry, particularly regarding body image and mental health. How did you find the strength to speak out and redefine your path?

Carre Otis: That is the thing about ME. Whether it’s popular or not, I speak the truth. I speak up. I was born this way. It has, no doubt, come at a cost. But I view myself as a woman in the West, more privileged than many other women, and see it as a responsibility I have to do just that. To speak up. Staying silent is not an option for me.

When we consider the massive impact the entertainment industry has on humanity, the influence the industry has on mental health, and statistical overt or covert ‘norms’, when we see this influence negatively impacting, it is our duty to call it out. The media is also its own machine and can be used for good or not-so-good messaging. It is totally unregulated. And today we are in unprecedented times with technology and its ever-present impacts and oversaturation. And there is no governing body. This is incredibly problematic in a multitude of ways.

IRK: You transitioned from a young supermodel to a mature model, embracing your natural beauty. Was there a turning point when you decided to embrace aging fully?

Carre Otis: The turning point was a natural one. I could spend a lot of time and money in a pathetic attempt to avoid the unavoidable or embrace the inevitable and do so gracefully, fiercely, and joyfully. Pretty simple in my book of what I wish to prioritize in my life!

IRK: Society often puts pressure on women to look a certain way as they age. How do you personally navigate that, and what advice would you give to women struggling with aging and self-acceptance?

Carre Otis: To each her own and I am not here to judge. The norm that is pushed upon us is anything but normal! There is such beauty in the aging process. There is beauty in the wisdom it brings. In the wrinkles. The softness. The vulnerability. There is a magic that is to be embraced that carries us forward and for me this journey is about living and learning, not looks. For me, there is true sadness and tragedy to bear witness to a mature adult female who doesn’t even look human because her attempts to stay ‘youthful’ have become masochistic. The precious time lost on these extreme attempts is a waste of a precious human life.

IRK: Do you think the fashion industry has truly evolved in terms of inclusivity, diversity, and representation of mature women?

Carre Otis: Maybe a small fraction of evolution? But not nearly where it should be in terms of accurate representation of the biological female in all of her divine stages!

IRK: You are now celebrated as a silver model. How does it feel to return to the industry with a new perspective?

Carre Otis: I love it. I love where I am at in my life. At 56. To stand so rooted and authentically me, bringing forth all of my years of experience. It’s rather fierce and badass and it’s such a relief to be in this place that is unapologetic and in full ownership of who I am and really in a genuine place of I don’t give a F*** if you love it or hate it. Take it or leave it. Whether anyone else is celebrating that, you can bet that I am!

Do you feel that mature models are finally being embraced, or is there still work to be done in terms of representation? Women, particularly those over 50, are a significant consumer demographic, controlling a substantial portion of household purchases and spending, with women influencing 85% of purchases and controlling 95% of household purchasing decisions.

This should be reflected in the modeling industry in its representation of its real consumer demographic.

IRK: What do you think brands and designers should do to continue breaking age barriers in fashion?

Carre Otis: Accurately and realistically represent, portray, and work with models that are 50 plus! Showcase us. Work with us in their advertisements for clothing, beauty products, and aging products. Get real! We are the ones that buy them.

IRK: Who are some of the women—whether in modeling, film, or activism—who inspire you today?

Carre Otis: Ali MacGraw, Lauren Hutton, Andie Macdowell, Lisa Bonet, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren, Naomi Watts, Whoopie Goldberg, Bethann Hardison

IRK: At 56, you continue to exude natural beauty and confidence. Can you share your beauty and skincare routine?

Carre Otis: I only trust my skin and face to the one and only https://www.leahnickie.com/our-team. Whatever Leah tells me to do, I do. Regular facials with Leah and good products used consistently. That’s about it! Always sunscreen/ Always hydration. And whenever possible, 8 hours of sleep!

IRK: As your style has evolved, which designers do you find yourself gravitating toward now?

Carre Otis: Are there any go-to brands that align with your aesthetic and lifestyle? I am less of a designer lady and more of a practical, classic gal. If it looks good and feels good, wear it! I don’t get hung up on designers or brands. I focus on good basics and staples and splurge a little bit here and there on some special pieces.

IRK: Wellness and spirituality have played an important role in your life. How have your personal practices evolved over the years?

Carre Otis: Actually, my practices have remained mostly the same and because of that discipline, there has been growth. Yet I remain a beginner every, single day. These tenets and disciples are really the foundation of my life, strength, resilience, stamina, and humility.

IRK: You’ve been through many transformations, both personally and professionally. How do you define beauty today?

Carre Otis: Simply put, Beauty Is As Beauty Does.

If you could advise your younger self, what would it be?

Carre Otis: Sweetheart, be kind to yourself. NOTHING lasts forever. One step at a time. Look for and lean into the angels. Stay true to yourself. It’s OK to say no. Stand up for yourself. Don’t play small. Take up space. How long can this list be???!!!!

IRK: Are there any projects—whether in fashion, activism, or personal endeavors—that you are currently excited about?

Carre Otis: I am on the Board at Model Alliance and we just passed The Fashion Workers Act and we are continuing to push for industry reform and change. Book number two!!!!

IRK: Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy in the fashion industry will be?

Carre Otis: To be remembered for my advocacy and activism to influence positive change.

IRK: Finally, how do you hope women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond will be viewed in the industry in the next decade?

Carre Otis: Like the gorgeous beings that they are. To be celebrated, represented, portrayed as empowered and sexy and fierce and fantastic!

UNITED NATIONS GOALS

IRK: We want to bring about awareness about the 17 UN goals. Which of the UN goals do you care about and why?

Carre Otis: Climate Action. Peace. Poverty. Inclusion. Life below water. Life on Land/ Peace and Justice.

Talent: Carré Otis Carré Otis @iamcarreotis
With Iconic Focus Models @iconicfocus

Photographer / Producer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro

Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet
Director of Video: James Weber @james_weber
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan

Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair at SEE Management @seemanagement using R+Co @randco
Makeup: Aya Tariq @ayatariqmua at The Wall Group @thewallgroup using
MAC Cosmetics @maccosmeticsusa / @maccosmetics
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa
Photographer Assistants: Ryan Liu @justryanliu, Michele Wilhelmina @michelewilhelminaphotography
Digital Artist: Marilynn Hawkridge
Grip: George Pepe @gspepe
Fashion Team:
Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo
Sydney Loera @sydneyloera
Madison Wen Gu @mmmaddddison

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