Nicola Griffin's Latest Shoot Was So Rad

Nicola Griffin challenged the status quo when she, a 56-year-old size 16 model, appeared in the recent Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in a swimsuitsforall ad campaign. Being the ageism-fighting trailblazer that she is, Griffin pushed the industry even further with her latest editorial for SLiNK Magazine. Nicola Griffin’s lingerie shoot for the British publication’s Passion Issue might seem like no big deal to some, considering there has been an increase in mature models working with renowned designers in the last year — most notably Joan Didion for Celine. However, Griffin’s editorial is unlike most mature model collabs I've seen, as she dares to (almost) bare it all in a racy yet refined editorial for SLiNK.

Rivkie Baum, SLiNK’s Editor-In-Chief, spoke to Refinery29 about why the publication chose Griffin to star in its Passion Issue. Baum said, “It’s crazy to think that fashion models, aside from generally all being one size, are all in one age bracket, too […] There seems to be a consensus, especially in media, that women start to become invisible not just above a size 10, but above age 50 […] Nicky is defying all those odds, and her passion to represent made her a perfect choice for this issue.” I couldn’t agree more.

While Griffin received much attention for rocking a gold lamé two-piece in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, she took things one step further in this latest shoot, and went all-out with a lingerie-themed set. From lacy negligees, to tight teddies, and metallic PJ pants, Griffin looked spectacular in embellished nightwear.

If you are a fan of Griffin (why wouldn’t you be?), scroll down to get a glimpse of her super sexy shoot with SLiNK as well as to hear her thoughts on body image, ageism, and taking over the fashion industry.

As reported by PopSugar, Griffin revealed her outlook on both her body as well as life to SLiNK, and might I add, it is pretty inspiring. Griffin said, "I think for me maybe [confidence] comes with age because when you get to 56 you don't know how long you have got left in the world and this is how you look so embrace it. Life is short so I just think, like it or lump it. I've been young, I've been worried, I've been under pressure, I've felt all those things and I don't want to feel them anymore so I just don't. I'm determined to enjoy each day. I grab every opportunity and make the best of it. That's the path I'm on now."

She further shared her modeling plans, or as Refinery29 put it "plans for industry domination" in her interview with SLiNK. Refinery29 reported that when asked if she has plans for mature super-modeldom, Griffin said, "Yes, I do. Why not? I just think in your 50s, you get ignored; in your 60s, you get ignored. Let’s celebrate every woman’s age [...] So, yes, I’m hopeful I can take this all the way."

I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if anyone were to become the next mature supermodel, it would be Griffin. Her positive attitude towards body acceptance, age, and her beautiful gray mane are inspiring, to say the least. Here's hoping that she will star in another editorial very soon.

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Images: Courtesy SLiNK