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People Are Shaming This 58 Y.O. Supermodel’s Bikini Photos But She Stands Her Ground
Paulina Porizkova has been in the public eye as well as in the beauty industry since childhood – no wonder this woman has a strong opinion about such a mystified, often poetized, sometimes vulgarized, and yet not fully understood phenomenon as beauty and its connection to age. As well as many stereotypes surrounding these topics.
However, she does not limit herself to only having an opinion; she actively applies it by daring to act accordingly and ‘be visible’.
More info: Instagram
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The supermodel gets comments like ‘women at 58 Y.O. are “too old” to pose in a bikini’ every time she posts a picture of her body
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
The woman shares that ageist shaming sets her teeth on edge, but these people are confusing prettiness with beauty
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
It must be noted that not only having worked as a model from the age of 15 and signing the highest-paid modeling contract in the world at the height of her modeling career makes this woman eligible to discuss beauty. It is actually all of her life experience and history, from being left behind by her parents at the age of 4 as they were escaping the political situation in her native Czechoslovakia occupied by the Soviets and appearing on the public news for this very reason, to marrying Ric Ocasek, the rock star from the Cars, at the age of 19 and living together for 30 years just to be left out of his will after his sudden death and being accused of abandoning him. Just to mention a few challenges this woman went through. However, recently, Paulina Porizkova came out with a slightly different scope, posting her crying video as she grieved for her husband as well as emotional betrayal online and revealing her vulnerable side, as well as starting her new career step as a writer.
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
The woman’s post answering the critics of her pictures received 100k likes on Instagram. Even though her photos, which reveal the beauty and complexity of a mature woman’s body, are highly supported and feedback is mostly positive, she notes that she gets negative comments every time she posts a picture of her body online. The supermodel opens up that ageist comments “set her teeth on edge”. These usually include claims that posting pictures of her body at the age of 58 is necessarily being desperate. Or saying women over 58 are “too old” to pose in a bikini.
However, despite the natural disappointment with such out-of-place comments, the woman emphasizes the importance of taking action – by starting a conversation as well as letting mature people and our natural aging process be seen instead of asking them ‘to be invisible.’ Following her own advice, the woman is not afraid of showing her body, primarily because she finds it beautiful, despite the unhealthy stigma that surrounds exposing the bodies of mature people to the camera’s eye.
In her post, Paulina Porizkova addresses a common misconception that most of her critics share. According to her, most of those ‘naysayers’ do not understand beauty, as they confuse it with prettiness. She explains that while prettiness is easy on the eyes, as it is easy to take in and easy to forget, this is at least partly because it’s a little bland and inoffensive. Beauty is something else. As she puts it: “Beauty can be sharp. It can wound you and leave a scar.”
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
“Pretty is easy on the eyes, partly because it’s a little bland, inoffensive. It’s easy to take in and easy to forget”
Image credits: paulinaporizkov
“Beauty can be sharp. It can wound you and leave a scar”
She emphasizes that compared to prettiness, beauty might require more effort from a beholder. As she says: “To perceive beauty you have to be able to ‘see’.” Which in this context might refer to actually focusing one’s attention to see through the stereotypes and default settings of one’s mind. This aligns nicely with her last note saying: “There is no such thing as ugly and old, only shortsighted and ignorant.”
The woman adds she believes people get more beautiful with age, as they have earned it and are able to really understand it. This has to do with a person possibly developing and exercising certain powers of their own as well as simply leading their life and creating their own history, in such a way indulging their uniqueness, which might just turn out to be a crucial ingredient to being perceived as beautiful.
People commented that this woman’s attitude as well as her pictures are inspiring:
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What do you think ?
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
I'm in my mid-50s and just started wearing bikinis. The power behind 50 is not giving a fork what anyone else thinks. Social media is toxic. I'm down to BP, 95% of people here = CLEVER, FUNNY, and LOVELY
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I'm 41 and I've just started NOT feeling ashamed of my body! XD And I'm the same as you - I don't use my Twitter any more, my FB account was made only for my sick kitten, my Instagram is only pictures of my pets... I really only socialize on Bored Panda any more and I'm so much happier :)
Load More Replies...
zak 2 years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If someone thinks you're ugly, who cares? You aren't going to change their mind. If you dictate your life around other people's opinions, then you're living their life instead of your own.
Majungasaurus 2 years ago
Very true! But I think that minimizes the situation she’s addressing a little and also puts the shame back on her for feeling the need to stand up for herself and other women. We could all benefit from being more open minded when it comes to beauty standards and older women :)
Load More Replies...
JustinTime 2 years ago
It doesn’t matter what you do, how you look, there will always be awful people who have to take their evil out on everyone else. I pray I look as good as she does 12 years from now.
Kristi 2 years ago
You are beyond beautiful.. F**K trolls who are too much of a coward to show their own bodies while criticizing yours.. keep doing what you are doing and let no AH tell you otherwise. You aren't out there shooting children in schools or gleefully running over pets... dont ever give a troll a 2nd thought.
a really far away planet 2 years ago
why would you f*****g compare shooting children and running over pets to BEAUTY
Load More Replies...
Beachbum 2 years ago
I just turned 57, and I will wear my bikini until I just well I can't anymore.....i just don't understand why people love love the heavily filtered pics, but when someone posts an actual picture it is ugly, because they are in thier 50's. I feel like I look better t oday than in my 30's!
Fluffy Cat Sleeps 2 years ago
A. WTF, this woman is gorgeous. B. It's no one's business what you wear as long as you're legal. Everyone else should STFU. You can't actually be scarred by seeing a body you consider unattractive and if you think you can, seek some therapy and learn tolerance!
Vikki Mills Scullion 2 years ago
I’m 53, went from topless to a full blown bikini and have just purchased a nice little white number. I don’t give a flying f what anyone thinks about me.
BlueEyesWhiteDragon 2 years ago
I think a lot of what people think of as "beautiful" or attractive is often just what they see called beautiful all the time. That's why beauty trends can change so vastly, and everyone kind of gets a form of collective amnesia. We forget that what we thought was beautiful a decade ago is the exact opposite of what we think is beautiful now. If you see enough of them, skinny eyebrows (or thick eyebrows), and curvier bodies (or slimmer bodies) start to look beautiful. We need to see more older women (among other groups) represented positively.
Ronnie Cutshall 2 years ago
Grandpa always says it's the cherry that matters and not the whip cream
talliloo 2 years ago
i'm an old fart now . and, for most of my life i have had extra pounds which made me very self conscious. i would tell myself that it should not matter and be comfortable in my skin so i would do things to prove to myself that i believed that. dressed how i wanted, even if uncomfortable in my mind as well as such "daring things" such as skinny dipping or nude beaches. then, life got in the way and i was just too busy for many activities. finally, i retired and decided i would go on vacation. went to try on bathing suits and hated the way they fit and looked. then, while i am staring in the mirror while wearing one i had this epiphany: i would be more comfortable going naked then wearing a suit - with every stretch mark, scar (and i have a lot of those), and loose skin - and the hell wth what any one thought. that was when i realized that i had finally accepted that i am beautiful regardless of what anyone thinks.
sinead 2 years ago
We all age, well hopefully we do. It's very hurtful to make someone feel bad about something that is natural, like aging. It's not nice to make people feel bad. It's so important to just enjoy life and try and block out superficial and mean people. I say this to myself as well as an aging woman. Good for her and shame on the shamers.
Valek Fermiga 2 years ago
It is a case of insecurities and perhaps some jealousy, she has the confidence to wear what she wants to, her age shouldn't even be an issue. She feels confident, it's not offensive, it doesn't hurt anybody, just let her be herself without the pointless hate....
Maryanne Slaght 1 year ago
I am 65 and l was in my 20s when Paulina was a super model. She was the face of Estee Lauder. She was everything wrapped up in one gorgeous woman: sexy, beautiful, classic elegant etc. l still think she is amazing. She is just more than she was and anyone who thinks she can't wear a.bikini.is.nuts!
Jay Layland 1 year ago
You're beautiful my dear! Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Women don't even start showing their beauty until they hit their 30s. One of the most beautiful women I ever seen was in her 50s and I was 21. Keep smiling you've earned it.
Dorian Reeves 2 years ago
Personally I think she’s elegant and refined and yes, very beautiful
Salma Hernández 2 years ago
I came a bit late here bit late but i have an opinion to share. At the same time the Actress Salma Hayek went viral because she was using a bikini. An actress with 56 years old. The comments of her went the opposite becuase she loks young and nice. Why we act like this?
Duke Kilroy 2 years ago
What, do these haters want her to become a cosmetic surgery nightmare? She's lovely.
Judit Hajdu 2 years ago
I am 63 and I wear bikini and I am not nearly as pretty as she is, who cares what other people think, they can all do a favor and kiss where the sun does not shine
Margo Murdock 2 years ago
Still stunningly beautiful! Aging beautifully. Whoever tried to shame her is just jealous male or female. They are ugly on the inside. Sad, pathetic trolls.
Sandra Lent 2 years ago
I disagree with the thought that a man over 50 is distinguished, and a woman is ugly. Women generally mainting their looks, but men over 50 start to look like a different species.
Shannon Donnelly 2 years ago
My problem w/ her is that she seems to have nothing better to do than to continuously post pics of herself in bikinis. To me, that says all her self-worth is tied up in getting approval from the internet, & anyone who's spent 2 seconds on social media knows that trolls have nothing better to do than to tear people down. Find a job (besides being a model), find a hobby, find SOMETHING to do besides posing in swimwear & then getting upset when 100% of people don't find you attractive. That goes for all women who b***h about being constantly treated as sex objects & then immediately posting pics wearing the tiniest bathing suits or see-through dresses to the Oscars. Same goes for women who wear thongs to the gym & then b***h that men are gawking at them
Steph 2 years ago
Have my upvote! I was thinking the same! Old model, who is the only one herself having trouble with her own aging and therefore is fishing for compliments in the internet. Says a lot about her self esteem or possibly narcissism. One or the other.
Load More Replies...
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
I'm in my mid-50s and just started wearing bikinis. The power behind 50 is not giving a fork what anyone else thinks. Social media is toxic. I'm down to BP, 95% of people here = CLEVER, FUNNY, and LOVELY
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I'm 41 and I've just started NOT feeling ashamed of my body! XD And I'm the same as you - I don't use my Twitter any more, my FB account was made only for my sick kitten, my Instagram is only pictures of my pets... I really only socialize on Bored Panda any more and I'm so much happier :)
Load More Replies... zak 2 years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If someone thinks you're ugly, who cares? You aren't going to change their mind. If you dictate your life around other people's opinions, then you're living their life instead of your own.
Majungasaurus 2 years ago
Very true! But I think that minimizes the situation she’s addressing a little and also puts the shame back on her for feeling the need to stand up for herself and other women. We could all benefit from being more open minded when it comes to beauty standards and older women :)
Load More Replies... JustinTime 2 years ago
It doesn’t matter what you do, how you look, there will always be awful people who have to take their evil out on everyone else. I pray I look as good as she does 12 years from now.
Kristi 2 years ago
You are beyond beautiful.. F**K trolls who are too much of a coward to show their own bodies while criticizing yours.. keep doing what you are doing and let no AH tell you otherwise. You aren't out there shooting children in schools or gleefully running over pets... dont ever give a troll a 2nd thought.
a really far away planet 2 years ago
why would you f*****g compare shooting children and running over pets to BEAUTY
Load More Replies... Beachbum 2 years ago
I just turned 57, and I will wear my bikini until I just well I can't anymore.....i just don't understand why people love love the heavily filtered pics, but when someone posts an actual picture it is ugly, because they are in thier 50's. I feel like I look better t oday than in my 30's!
Fluffy Cat Sleeps 2 years ago
A. WTF, this woman is gorgeous. B. It's no one's business what you wear as long as you're legal. Everyone else should STFU. You can't actually be scarred by seeing a body you consider unattractive and if you think you can, seek some therapy and learn tolerance!
Vikki Mills Scullion 2 years ago
I’m 53, went from topless to a full blown bikini and have just purchased a nice little white number. I don’t give a flying f what anyone thinks about me.
BlueEyesWhiteDragon 2 years ago
I think a lot of what people think of as "beautiful" or attractive is often just what they see called beautiful all the time. That's why beauty trends can change so vastly, and everyone kind of gets a form of collective amnesia. We forget that what we thought was beautiful a decade ago is the exact opposite of what we think is beautiful now. If you see enough of them, skinny eyebrows (or thick eyebrows), and curvier bodies (or slimmer bodies) start to look beautiful. We need to see more older women (among other groups) represented positively.
Ronnie Cutshall 2 years ago
Grandpa always says it's the cherry that matters and not the whip cream
talliloo 2 years ago
i'm an old fart now . and, for most of my life i have had extra pounds which made me very self conscious. i would tell myself that it should not matter and be comfortable in my skin so i would do things to prove to myself that i believed that. dressed how i wanted, even if uncomfortable in my mind as well as such "daring things" such as skinny dipping or nude beaches. then, life got in the way and i was just too busy for many activities. finally, i retired and decided i would go on vacation. went to try on bathing suits and hated the way they fit and looked. then, while i am staring in the mirror while wearing one i had this epiphany: i would be more comfortable going naked then wearing a suit - with every stretch mark, scar (and i have a lot of those), and loose skin - and the hell wth what any one thought. that was when i realized that i had finally accepted that i am beautiful regardless of what anyone thinks.
sinead 2 years ago
We all age, well hopefully we do. It's very hurtful to make someone feel bad about something that is natural, like aging. It's not nice to make people feel bad. It's so important to just enjoy life and try and block out superficial and mean people. I say this to myself as well as an aging woman. Good for her and shame on the shamers.
Valek Fermiga 2 years ago
It is a case of insecurities and perhaps some jealousy, she has the confidence to wear what she wants to, her age shouldn't even be an issue. She feels confident, it's not offensive, it doesn't hurt anybody, just let her be herself without the pointless hate....
Maryanne Slaght 1 year ago
I am 65 and l was in my 20s when Paulina was a super model. She was the face of Estee Lauder. She was everything wrapped up in one gorgeous woman: sexy, beautiful, classic elegant etc. l still think she is amazing. She is just more than she was and anyone who thinks she can't wear a.bikini.is.nuts!
Jay Layland 1 year ago
You're beautiful my dear! Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Women don't even start showing their beauty until they hit their 30s. One of the most beautiful women I ever seen was in her 50s and I was 21. Keep smiling you've earned it.
Dorian Reeves 2 years ago
Personally I think she’s elegant and refined and yes, very beautiful
Salma Hernández 2 years ago
I came a bit late here bit late but i have an opinion to share. At the same time the Actress Salma Hayek went viral because she was using a bikini. An actress with 56 years old. The comments of her went the opposite becuase she loks young and nice. Why we act like this?
Duke Kilroy 2 years ago
What, do these haters want her to become a cosmetic surgery nightmare? She's lovely.
Judit Hajdu 2 years ago
I am 63 and I wear bikini and I am not nearly as pretty as she is, who cares what other people think, they can all do a favor and kiss where the sun does not shine
Margo Murdock 2 years ago
Still stunningly beautiful! Aging beautifully. Whoever tried to shame her is just jealous male or female. They are ugly on the inside. Sad, pathetic trolls.
Sandra Lent 2 years ago
I disagree with the thought that a man over 50 is distinguished, and a woman is ugly. Women generally mainting their looks, but men over 50 start to look like a different species.
Shannon Donnelly 2 years ago
My problem w/ her is that she seems to have nothing better to do than to continuously post pics of herself in bikinis. To me, that says all her self-worth is tied up in getting approval from the internet, & anyone who's spent 2 seconds on social media knows that trolls have nothing better to do than to tear people down. Find a job (besides being a model), find a hobby, find SOMETHING to do besides posing in swimwear & then getting upset when 100% of people don't find you attractive. That goes for all women who b***h about being constantly treated as sex objects & then immediately posting pics wearing the tiniest bathing suits or see-through dresses to the Oscars. Same goes for women who wear thongs to the gym & then b***h that men are gawking at them
Steph 2 years ago
Have my upvote! I was thinking the same! Old model, who is the only one herself having trouble with her own aging and therefore is fishing for compliments in the internet. Says a lot about her self esteem or possibly narcissism. One or the other.
Load More Replies... 
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