Daphne Selfe, celebrated as the world’s oldest professional model, has passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Her family confirmed her death on March 21, 2026, via her official Instagram account. This marked the end of a life characterized by elegance, strength, and a remarkable presence in the fashion world.
Born in London in 1928 and raised in Berkshire, Selfe spent her childhood and adolescence in a simple and inquisitive environment.
She discovered her passion for fashion and modeling early on. Later, she worked in a department store, where she was discovered by a talent scout at the age of 21 – the beginning of her modeling career.
Her early modeling years were promising, but she had to balance it with her daily life and personal commitments. After her marriage in 1954, she withdrew from public life to devote herself to her family. She occasionally took on minor acting and advertising roles, maintaining a subtle yet meaningful connection to the industry she loved so much.
