At 64, Carol Alt, one of the most iconic supermodels of the ’80s, is still turning heads.
Known as “The Face” for her striking dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and slender frame, Alt has maintained most of the features that made her a household name in her twenties.
Having graced nearly 1,000 magazine covers, Alt’s look remains timeless, with only subtle signs of age.
The Key to Her Timeless Beauty
While many women her age turn to cosmetic procedures to keep signs of aging at bay, Alt credits a holistic approach for her youthful energy.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, she shared her secrets, revealing that a balanced diet, regular exercise, staying connected to her roots, and maintaining a positive mindset are essential components of her beauty regimen.
“I’m the daughter of a New York firefighter, and I’ve never forgotten where I come from,” Alt said.
“My dad was the most altruistic person I’ve ever met, and I believe in paying it forward.”
Ageless Confidence in a Changing World
Though Alt no longer graces the runways of top luxury brands, she continues to model and maintain a visible presence in the fashion world.
She attributes much of her success to the evolving attitudes toward women in society.
“I love what I do, and I see women like Demi Moore showing us that you can be beautiful at any age,” Alt said.
“Today’s 60-year-olds are not the same as those from my mother’s era. Why should age mean anything at all?”
Health and Fitness: Alt’s Lifelong Commitment
Staying fit has always been a priority for Alt, and she continues to stick to the health and fitness routines that helped her rise to fame.
One of the first to advocate for a raw food diet, she has authored two books on the subject. She also swears by alkaline water, probiotics, and supplements.
Living in New York City, a place known for its walkability, has played a key role in keeping her active.
Aside from walking, Alt enjoys yoga, pilates, and, perhaps her favorite, riding a stationary bike in her home’s infra-red sauna.
“It doesn’t get hot, but after 15 or 20 minutes, you’re sweating like crazy,” she said.
“I gave the expensive sauna away because I like the cheaper one better. I feel amazing after using it.”
The Secret to Beauty From the Inside Out
Standing 5’11” with her signature blue eyes, Alt is the first to acknowledge her genetic gifts.
But she believes that true beauty starts from within.
“You can have all the Versaces in the world in your closet, but if you don’t have your health, you’ve got nothing,” she explained.
The Start of a Legendary Career
Carol Alt’s journey to supermodel fame began at the age of 18 when she was discovered while waiting tables in New York City.
In just a year, she made her mark, appearing on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, which helped propel her into the spotlight.
Her breakthrough moment came when she was scouted by Jule Campbell, the visionary behind the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Appearing on the cover of this iconic issue in the ’80s launched Alt’s career to new heights.
“Before, when I was on the cover of a magazine, they didn’t even put my name on it,” Alt recalled.
“But after the swimsuit issue, people started recognizing me on the street and asking, ‘Are you Carol Alt?’”
A Career Beyond Modeling
In addition to her modeling career, Alt’s fame opened doors to other ventures, including acting and writing.
She appeared in the 1997 action film The Protector and made a guest appearance on the hit TV series Wings.
Her successful career also helped her become a businesswoman, navigating various industries with ease.
Alt’s Lasting Impact on the Fashion Industry
In a tribute to her legacy, Carol Alt was honored at the 25th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, where Jill Campbell’s documentary Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue was featured.
Campbell, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, revolutionized the swimsuit issue, helping supermodels like Alt gain worldwide fame.
Alt also paid tribute to other women in the fashion industry, noting how the Sports Illustrated covers gave many models, like Elle Macpherson and Kathy Ireland, the platform to expand their careers beyond modeling.
Ireland, for instance, went on to build a billion-dollar lifestyle brand.
The Enduring Legacy of the Swimsuit Issue
Despite some criticism of the risqué nature of the swimsuit covers, Alt maintains that they were not exploitative but rather helped promote tourism and the brands they were advertising.
“I think we were a part of cultural history,” she said.
At the height of her career, Alt became the face of major advertising campaigns for companies like Diet Pepsi, Versace, and Armani.
These endorsements helped solidify her status as one of the most iconic models of her time.
A Continued Celebration of Alt’s Legacy
Carol Alt’s enduring success continues to be celebrated, and her influence on the fashion industry remains undeniable.
As she continues to enjoy her career and health, Alt exemplifies how beauty, confidence, and staying true to oneself can truly stand the test of time.