6. Christie Brinkley
Though fate had other ideas, Christie Brinkley never dreamed she would leave her graphic design job for the runway. She graced the covers of Sports Illustrated three times in a succession with her gorgeous appearance and contagious energy, therefore securing her reputation as a supermodel and throwing her into the limelight. Her ascent to celebrity has been relentless since then; she has become a household name for her acting, business interests, and modelling as well as for her appearance. Christie, who is now in her seventies, might not be modelling as often but she is embracing other life events. She has shown tenacity and fortitude by battling glaucoma, having eye surgery, and even hip replacement surgery. She nevertheless is a lighthouse of optimism and self-acceptance in spite of these obstacles. Originally well-known for her blonde hair, Christie is now beginning to accept her age and let her grey hairs show through—which she sees as a sign of beauty and wisdom. Her path conveys a strong lesson about the need of self-love and ageing elegantly.