Stay Stylish: Middle-aged model defies stereotypes in China

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02:27

As China's population ages, some designers are seeking out models who can appeal to different generations. In today's OUR STORY, 56-year-old fashion model Ma Yinhong is defying stereotypes of an age group commonly referred to in China as 'aunties'.

Age is just a number. Older models are increasingly sought after in China. Labels are trying to court the country's growing 'silver spenders'. This model has a style and swagger that belie her 56 years.

MA YINHONG MODEL "I don't consider myself as being a different age to them. I think we're the same."

Ma Yinhong seems to embody the target market of older Chinese who are spending more on themselves. The greying population combined with rising incomes and living standards means an explosion in spending by China's elderly is expected in the coming decades.

MA YINHONG MODEL "People at our age are all retired and stay at home, right? I think it is boring because if you retire and do nothing every day, it means that you need to think about how to spend so much spare time. Are you going to spend your days thinking about cleaning and cooking every day? I think I would be bored."

This echoes a trend now well established in Western markets where catwalks globally have seen greater age diversity and models making names for themselves as fashion stars in their 60s and 70s.

In her youth, Ma had always hoped for a career in fashion design. But she made her modelling debut just two years ago.

Fashion brands have embraced her bleach blonde cropped hair and punk-inspired style. And she's also affecting people around her.

XIE LIJUAN, HOUSEWIFE MA'S FRIEND "We usually go shopping, have meals or afternoon tea together. She works in this industry as a model now and we are all very happy. We have learnt a lot from her. The way she dresses herself has inspired us a lot."

MA YINHONG MODEL "I have always had requirements when it comes to beauty. I'm not the same as other aunties who casually go out dressed in old people's clothes. I wouldn't allow myself to dress as a grandmother or auntie."

Ma says it's still important to stay stylish and in shape as keeping in good health keeps her on the catwalk. There is no age limit in fashion, so hopefully the dream can continue.