Diversity in fashion empowers every man and woman, celebrating individuals of every shape, size, and age.
In the dynamic and ever-changing world of fashion, diversity is not just a trend — it is a necessity. For far too long, the industry has showcased a limited array of faces and shapes, perpetuating a singular image of beauty that fails to represent the rich variety of women, and men, worldwide.
Not all women fit the same mould. We come in various shapes, sizes, colours and ages, and it is time for the world of fashion to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a slow yet essential shift toward inclusivity. The fashion industry has made great strides in showcasing people of color and models of different heights, and with the embrace of body positivity, we can now see the representation of plus-size models on the runway.
Diversity transcends more than aesthetics: it has the unique ability to make an individual feel seen and validated. Regardless of what size we wear, what country we come from, or the colour of our skin, seeing a model who mirrors our appearance instils a sense of confidence within us and our place in the world. It tells us that, yes, the way we look and the space we occupy matters. This is the essence of representation.
The new era of diversity doesn’t have an expiration date; it embraces people at every stage of life. Maibritt Dawson is one model who epitomizes this inclusivity, fulfilling her lifelong dream of gracing the runway in glamorous attire at the remarkable age of 66. As she represents her generation, Maibritt inspires women of all ages with her timeless elegance and a level of confidence that she’s worked hard to acquire.
Handpicked by a panel of judges at a model casting in Toowoomba, Maibritt is poised to join a multitude of models on the runway at the inaugural Toowoomba Fashion Festival. Dressed to impress and dazzle audiences at the Empire Theatre on March 16th, she embodies the spirit of inclusivity and demonstrates the importance of representation in the modern fashion world.
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Maibritt to delve into her mindset around empowering others, her recent venture into modelling, and her inspiring vision for the future of fashion.
Meet Mature-Aged Model Maibritt
Maibritt has only recently burst onto the modelling scene after spotting a model search ad for Diversity Modelling Australia. With a mentality of “what have I got to lose?”, Maibritt picked up the phone to contact the agency’s director, Monique Jeremiah. Based in Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast, Diversity Models Australia is an agency that focuses on showcasing real people and real beauty in all its forms. The agency prides itself on promoting ‘culture and curves’ — representing multicultural models, curvy models, mature-aged men and women, as well as people with disabilities. They actively advocate for the representation of different cultures and backgrounds, championing inclusivity in commercials, media and fashion.
“The journey has been remarkable,” recalls the 66-year-old model. Maibritt had dreamed of posing in front of the camera wearing high-end clothing all her life and had first gone to a model search when she was just sixteen years old. They turned her down for not being tall enough, and a young, impressionable Maibritt left the agency feeling disillusioned, ultimately deterred from the idea of pursuing a career in modelling. She thought she’d never be able to model because of her height, but was given another chance to fulfil her dreams exactly fifty years later.
Nowadays they make amazing shoes, and I like the idea that I can look quite tall in high heels.
Behind the glamour and excitement of the runway, there is a world of vigorous work and disciplined preparation for the models. As the inaugural Toowoomba Fashion Festival approaches, its historical significance magnifies, demanding meticulous dedication and focus from each individual involved. Curious about the lead-up to the fashion extravaganza, we asked Maibritt about her preparations for the big day.
It’s a lot of internal work, as well as external. You’ve got to be mentally ready for that — you’ve got to be able to get out there on the runway, or in front of the camera, and be confident. Be proud of what you’re achieving and presenting.
Maibritt believes that cultivating mental fortitude, or confidence, is just as crucial as refining one’s physique. With her commanding presence on the runway, she is determined to inspire others to feel confident in themselves and their capabilities. While acknowledging that nerves are a natural part of the creative process, especially during special events like the Toowoomba Fashion Festival, Maibritt remains unwavering in her commitment to showing younger girls that it’s normal to feel that way. However, she encourages them to take pride in the fact that they look amazing and to channel that adrenaline for the runway.
When discussing the development of fortitude and resilience over the years, Maibritt shared with us that working in a male-dominated industry taught her numerous lessons in standing her ground — a mindset she applies to all aspects of her life. As the owner of a construction cleaning company, and often one of the few females on a job site, Maibritt learned the value of believing in her worth. This is a message that she is dedicated to delivering to women of all ages.
“I was bullied, I was ridiculed,” Maibritt confided. “They tried to push me out of the industry. Now, I run my own company. I believe that I have proven my worth. It was a hard lesson, and it took me a while, but I had to push through. I had to get up every morning and go to the job.”
My first role in the construction industry was on a job site with 351 men, and I was the only woman there. I’ve loved every moment of that journey, because I know I am a strong person and can achieve anything I set my mind to.
In a society that places immense pressure on individuals to conform to certain beauty standards, particularly within the fashion and beauty industries, ageism often marginalizes people as they grow older. However, in response to this trend, diversity and inclusivity initiatives are opening up new opportunities for those who previously felt excluded from pursuing their dreams due to their age.
Historically, the media and the fashion industry have played a significant role in the underrepresentation of older age groups of women. In advertisements for cosmetics and clothing, countless images of young women are prevalent, while women over forty are seldom portrayed. This fact remains despite the reality that it is precisely older women who have the financial means and desire to purchase products like anti-aging creams or designer fashion labels.
Addressing the issue of underrepresentation takes on more meaning when we see mature-aged models like Maibritt, who are actively breaking down barriers and perceptions of beauty in the industry. For Maibritt, walking the runway and representing older women is more than just a career choice — it is a testament to the power of inclusivity. As a model currently defying ageist stereotypes and embracing beauty at every stage of life, her insights shed light on the importance of diversity and the representation of all women in the realm of fashion.
I’m hopeful for the future of fashion. Designers must be open-minded and willing to incorporate diverse age groups in a photoshoot. Mature-aged women need to see themselves represented in beautiful clothes. Events like the Toowoomba Fashion Festival celebrate the beauty of every generation, and now more than ever, it is important to embrace diversity and keep pursuing our dreams, regardless of age.
Maibritt Dawson.
Witness Maibritt Dawson and a diverse cast of models grace the runway at the
Toowoomba Fashion Festival on March 16th.
Secure your tickets to the special night here
Couture Chronicles by Melanie Canosa 
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