The Story of the 71-Year-Old Model Who’s Breaking Age and Beauty Taboos

2 years ago

Today’s world is increasingly breaking stereotypes, and fashion is no exception. An example of this is the model Rosa Saito, who has managed to share her talent and beauty worldwide, regardless of age. Her success story is something worth sharing and admiring.

Her modeling career began later than usual.

At 68 years old, with white hair and a powerful talent for the arts, Rosa Saito suddenly discovered her life’s passion: a modeling career. Her real name is Setsuko Saito, and she became Rosa on her Instagram for more straightforward pronunciation.

Her 5 feet and 6 inches and limited knowledge of the modeling industry did not stop her from shining in the business. Her adventurous spirit was the main trait that helped her turn things around, which even took her to São Paulo Fashion Week.

Rosa developed a love for beauty in childhood.

Rosa was born in Araçatuba, São Paulo. In her early childhood, she discovered her creative talents and perfected her singing, drawing, and writing skills. Being a creative child, she knew she would connect her life to something beautiful.

“I always knew I would pursue something creative, something I could invent. Everything I do takes me there,” she says.

Modeling came to Rosa unexpectedly, and it was a stroke of luck.

Before becoming a model, Rosa went through many challenges and losses in her life. At 22, she took care of her bedridden mother. Then, as a mom of 3, she had to be both mother and father to her little ones, as she lost her husband in 2000. But she had a bright spot in her life: caring for plants. She found in them her daily meditation.

“It’s important to look for and find yourself. And my moment of peace is with them (plants). I go to my garden and talk to them,” he says.

She had never thought of becoming a model, but several professionals approached her. Only after being invited 3 times did she decide to consider the idea.

“Twice by professionals from the Mega modeling agency and once by a photographer. I let the idea mature for a year. After all, doing it also had its costs. It wasn’t something I would jump into just like that blindly. Until I decided to take the risk,” she recalls.

Rosa’s life is prosperous now, and she has something to say to her fans.

Setsuko was raised naturally and never got to take a single aspirin as a child. “Everything was tea-based, and in my essence, I’m like that, a little bit against everything chemical. So I always took care of myself with aloe, coconut oil, olive oil,” she says.

But her most vital concern is to be in harmony with oneself. “Beauty is taking care of your thoughts, your spirituality. A person can become beautiful, captivating, and kind. This means much more than beauty, all stretched and perfect. It’s the inside that counts, in my opinion”, says Rosa.

For her, the beauty industry’s standards are oppressive, but there is hope. “I feel that little by little, we are changing. People are living longer, taking better care of themselves, and companies really need to open up more in that sense and visualize these potential clients.”