People presume that a model’s career starts early in life and ends just as prematurely. In some regards, this is true. Most agencies take girls in their mid-teens and designers show a preference for younger looking women in runway shows and editorials. Does this mean that a life-long career in the fashion world is impossible? Should you prepare to close your portfolio forever at the onset of your first wrinkle? The answer is no. There are opportunities out there for those that are deemed retired by the fashion world’s standards.

Tyra Banks has gone from model to business woman in a seemingly effortless leap. Now known more for her hit show, America’s Next Top Model, than for her runway exploits, Tyra has also discovered a talent for photography and a knack for presenting talk shows.

Heidi Klum is another model who has crossed the model/television boundary with her role in the top T.V show, Project Runway, where she co-judges the efforts of hopeful fashion designers.

Models from earlier decades have also found success. Twiggy, for example, has taken part on the judging panel for America’s Next Top Model and has had a chance to relive her modeling success through high profile advertising campaigns for British brand M&S.

Wilhelmina Cooper was the founder of the highly successful Wilhelmina Models and spent her later years scouting for fresh talent and concentrating on model management.

It would seem the models that remain successful beyond their runway years are those who are passionate about the industry as a whole. These models have been able to utilize their insider experience and contacts to find a niche in the business, where they can grow and evolve.