Here’s Why This Unique Swimsuit Model is Causing a Stir on the Internet

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “swimsuit model”? Perhaps a tanned, leggy blonde in her late teens frolicking on a Caribbean beach? Until recently, we too had a similar bias, but now that we’ve set eyes on a certain 61-year-old silver-haired goddess, our definition of the job description has officially changed!

Meet Yazemeenah Rossi, a French-born swimsuit model who is taking the fashion world by storm.

The grandmother of two first started modeling on the late side, when she was 28-years-old, but it wasn’t until she turned 45 that her career really began taking off. At that age, her dark hair had already transformed into the shock of silver that she sports today, but that didn’t stop top fashion houses from hiring her. In fact, her unique mane quickly became her trademark!

Since arriving in the States from Corsica just over 15 years ago, Rossi has represented designers Eileen Fisher and Ann Taylor. Just last year, the senior model officially went viral when her most recent Land of Women/ The Dreslyn swimsuit campaign launched, a success that helped her rack up interview requests from as far away as Australia.

People from all over the world are celebrating this beautiful grandma. Go Yazemeenah!

How this unique model maintains her glow

So, what’s the secret to Rossi’s timeless beauty? Well, it’s a bit complicated; she simply knows what works for her. In an interview with Fine Line Magazine, the model shares her beauty routine, one that—surprise, surprise! —involves yoga, organic home-cooked meals, all-natural beauty products, and plenty of time by the ocean.

Although Rossi’s healthy lifestyle sounds pretty good to us, the model is also quick to stress that her own system isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”

“Be curious [about your health and beauty routine],” she advises. “Get the information you need. Feel and follow the wisdom of your body. Something that is good for me—even if it is a ‘good’ brand—may not be right for you.”

While we agree with her sentiment in regards to choosing beauty products, it’s clear that a good part of Rossi’s signature glow is due in part to her mental and spiritual acuity.

She gets 8 hours of sleep per night, takes time to indulge in her favorite hobbies (acting and science fiction novels), and, perhaps most importantly, doesn’t get stressed out about the number of candles on her birthday cake.

“Aging is an organic, natural process that I have no power over—unless you count the power of letting go,” Rossi says. “I have no time to spend on the struggle. Resistance won’t change anything, and it could even make the process worse and then I’ll lose my glow.”

We just have two words to sum up this radiant human being: Class. Act.

What are your thoughts on the gorgeous Yazemeenah Rossi? Are you surprised by her age? What are your secrets for aging gracefully? Do you know a beautiful senior who resembles Rossi?