Fashion lovers are well–accustomed to being bombarded with glossy images of perfection. When Nicole Kidman, 59, was unveiled as the cover star of Vogue’s September issue, she looked flawless – so flawless that some fans struggled to recognise her.

Which makes Armani’s new autumn/winter advertising campaign rather refreshing. Not only is it fronted by one of the world’s best–loved supermodels, Christy Turlington – she actually looks like Christy Turlington. 

Photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, the 57–year–old is dressed in a selection of looks including a tailored grey blazer, a grey leather trench coat and a crushed green velvet suit.

More striking than the clothes is the fact that the images are barely retouched. Rather than any signs of ageing being airbrushed into oblivion, Turlington’s natural beauty is on full display.

Like any 57–year–old, she has laughter lines and greying temples. It’s unusual to see them in a glossy fashion image.

One of the most successful models of the 1990s, Turlington was talent spotted as a 14–year–old schoolgirl. 

She appeared on more than 500 magazine covers worldwide, as well as enjoying six and seven–figure contracts as the face of brands including Calvin Klein, Chanel and Versace. 

In 1991, she signed a contract with cosmetics giant Maybelline netting her $800,000 (£589,000) for 12 days’ work.

Christy Turlington in the latest Armani campaign. Like any 57–year–old, she has laughter lines and greying temples. It’s unusual to see them in a glossy fashion image

Christy Turlington on the catwalk in 1993. One of the most successful models of the 1990s, Turlington was talent spotted as a 14–year–old schoolgirl

Many women have a soft spot for Turlington, who has largely shunned the spotlight, despite her high–profile 23–year marriage to the actor and filmmaker Edward Burns. ‘I’ve always been more of a ‘less is more’ kind of person,’ she told Harper’s Bazaar in 2020.

On the evidence of these latest pictures, nothing has changed. The campaign features the first womenswear collection designed by Giorgio Armani’s niece, Silvana, 71, who took over the helm after the legendary designer passed away in September last year, aged 91.

Turlington is one of a growing number of older models being cast in high–profile campaigns to appeal to midlife women with spending power. 

Claudia Schiffer, 56, was recently made the face of Chloe, while earlier this week Kate Moss, 52, was unveiled as the new face of Gucci.

But some fashion labels still prefer the thrill of the new. Moss’s daughter Lila, 23, fronts the Zadig & Voltaire campaign.