Petra van Bremen: Women Don’t Have an Expiry Date

‘Your best time is now.’ Many books with titles that refer to enjoying the present are published today. But what is interesting about the author of this book, Petra van Bremen, is that her profession is modeling. At sixty-five, she is still sailing down the catwalk, holding men two generations younger in thrall.

The fashion show of Berlin designer Marcel Ostertag is coming to an end. I’m waiting for the main model of the evening. I’m not the only one. A tall woman with long, silver hair enters the crowded room. “Do you know where my husband is?” she asks by way of greeting. “I saw him coming down the stairs,” but before I finish the sentence, Petra is already floating gracefully behind him. Her husband Michael plays a major role in her life. She gave up her job as a successful manager in Holland to follow him to Germany. It was he who encouraged her to return to the catwalk after thirty years.

Her grey hair is her trademark. She has clients from all over the world, including Schwarzkopf, Chopard and Malaysian Airways, has signed with IconicFocus Models in New York, and in October she did a shoot for Vogue Philippines. Today, at 65, Petra is one of the most well-known Best-Ager-Models, a published author and successful influencer.

She started her modelling career at the age of seventeen and travelled all over Europe. “My child, you need a proper job,” her mother used to tell her. The thought continued to nag at the back of her mind until Petra quit modelling and began to pursue a career as an HR manager. But as we know, love moves more than mountains. When she met the love of her life, she moved to Hamburg at the age of 46, where a new chapter in her modelling career began. She firmly believes in her naturalness and takes ageing as an advantage. It brings her new experiences and challenges. Even after twenty years, she still wishes to “live with my husband as long as possible, so that we can step hand in hand into the last stage of our life together – with all the challenges that life brings.”

Petra, you write in your book that you are currently going through the best period of your life. Has your life so far been less exciting, or do you simply have more possibilities to sweeten your life today?

Every stage of life has its adventures and challenges. My life before was certainly exciting too, but in a different way. Today, I feel like I live more consciously and authentically. It’s not necessarily due to having more opportunities, but by using them more boldly and with much more self-belief. Life is sweeter when you are willing to try new things and stay true to yourself!

Why do you pursue modeling? Is it an art, or a drug? 

Modeling is a way of self-expression and self-realisation for me. Personally, it’s not so much about showing off or wanting recognition, but more about conveying a message. I want to encourage other women to celebrate their uniqueness and not let societal norms limit them. Modeling to me is an art form that combines creativity and emotion. The fact that I am part of such creative processes is very fulfilling. My knees shake before every show.

There is a wide variety of curvy, androgynous, very young, mature, pregnant, athletic, diverse or influencer models today. What are your strengths compared to others, especially considering your age? 

My age is definitely an advantage because of the life experience and confidence I bring with me. I represent a generation that has long been underrepresented in fashion. My experience makes me feel freer and less influenced by external expectations. I know who I am, what I want, and that I no longer have to prove myself. All this allows me to work authentically and with great joy in my profession.

We are young as long as the message of beauty reaches our hearts. How do you define beauty? 

For me, beauty is authenticity. When someone is at peace with themselves and radiates that outwardly, then that’s beauty to me. It has nothing to do with wrinkles or gray hair, it’s an inner attitude. It shows in the way we love life, the way we laugh and the way we treat others. When we acknowledge and embrace our uniqueness and our age, we radiate timeless beauty.

Petra van Bremen speaks at the tenth Czech-German Salon at the Art & Event Gallery Black Swan of the Prague media house Black Swan Media. Photo: Tomáš Železný

Fashion is not only an expression of individuality, but also a reflection of culture, history, and even politics. To what extent is fashion and modeling an art form for you?

For me, fashion is a living art form that is constantly changing and captures social trends. By modelling, I can be part of this art, helping to tell stories and convey emotions. It’s a creative collaboration between designers, photographers and models to create something unique.

You do your work mainly for pleasure, not to make money. Is life easier when you’re rich? And how much does it help one to get off the proverbial hamster wheel? 

It is definitely a privilege to be able to afford to work out of passion rather than financial necessity. My husband is very supportive of me in this regard. He also motivated me to start working as a model again. But for me, wealth is not only defined by money. Because it’s about being rich in experiences, relationships and inner contentment. Understanding this fact allows me to live more consciously and escape the fickle desire to have more and more.

The subtitle of your book is Into the Second Half of Life with Energy and Style. I recently read a quote about Lady Gaga: “Pompous and monstrous. She just can’t be elegant.” What is style and elegance to you? Are they innate, or do you have to acquire them?

Style and elegance to me are expressions of a person’s personality and attitude. It’s not just about clothes, it’s also about the way you go through life. Part of it is certainly innate, but elegance and style can be learned and developed throughout your life. The important thing is to remain authentic and feel comfortable in your own skin while doing so. By the way, Lady Gaga has shown throughout her career that elegance is not just about conventional notions of beauty, but also about the ability to stay true to yourself and express your individuality. And in the film A Star Is Born, she gave an impressive performance that was not only emotionally deep, but also artistically sophisticated.

In what ways have you been inspired by your mother or other important women in your life?

My mother taught me to be strong and independent. She showed me the importance of going my own way and not letting external circumstances discourage me. Other women in my life, such as Iris Apfel, Lauren Hutton and Carmen Dell’Orefice, whom I have also had the opportunity to meet in person, have inspired me with their creativity, courage and ability to overcome obstacles. 

Is your circle of friends made up of like-minded people in your field, or is it the opposite? 

My circle of friends is very diverse. I value exchanging opinions with people from the fashion industry, but friends from completely different walks of life are just as important to me. It’s important for me to surround myself with people who inspire me – no matter what they do for a living.

What do you do when you’re not feeling well, when you’re sad, or when things aren’t going your way? Can you handle crises better as you get older? 

In those moments, I consciously make time for myself. I retreat to a secluded place, walk my dog in nature. It all helps me regain my equilibrium. With age often comes greater peace. One learns that crises pass and often even offer opportunities for personal growth.

This article appeared in the seventh issue of the print magazine N&N – Noble Notes