Stephanie Cavalli: The 50-Year-Old Model Taking Chanel by Storm
Stephanie Cavalli, a 50-year-old model with gray hair, has been attracting attention at Matthieu Blazy's shows, at Paris Haute Couture, and at F/W 2026.
Cavalli is half Caribbean and half Italian. Her father was an antique collector, and together they explored flea markets in Rome for vintage clothing. In addition to modeling, she runs her own vintage boutique, La Garçonne, in Callicoon, New York.
She moved to the United States in 2002 and divides her time between Paris and New York. She is married to Elvio Critelli and has three sons.
Cavalli started modeling in her 20s, but only began walking the runways three years ago. She debuted at Tibi's Spring/Summer 2024 prĂȘt-Ă -porter show and has since worked with brands such as Proenza Schouler, Miu Miu, Lacoste, and Rachel Comey.
Chanel approached Cavalli for the MĂ©tiers d'Art 2026 show in New York and then for the Haute Couture show in Paris. Cavalli stated that she was overjoyed to open a Chanel show shortly before her 50th birthday.
Matthieu Blazy stated that he was inspired by Cavalli and wanted her to open the show.