Stephanie Seymour: still model's stuff at 40

French Gala 3 - 9 September 2008, N°795

Translation from French to English by Valou

Gramercy Park Hotel, New York. The lady makes an entrance by the garden-porch and, at first sight, we remember she was one of the supermodels in the 90's. Sexier than ever, it's no wonder she works for sought-after brands, poses with her 4 kids for the Gap family campaigns and became, at 40, the embassador of Chantelle lingerie. Exclusive meeting.

Is it hard getting older when you're one of the most beautiful women in the world?

I feel a lot better in my skin than when I was 20. Age has no significance for me whatsoever! I really have no time to think about it. Besides, I am not tempted by plastic surgery, even if I understand why some women feel the urge to freshen up.

4 children and your body seems unchanged. What's your secret?

I am very relaxed when it comes to that, but I believe a woman - no matter her age - must care about her figure and tone her muscles. As for me, I do Pilates at least two times a week. I also try to swim as often as I can: I love cold water and I think there nothing like it to give you energy! And I walk a lot. Still, I admit that before posing for the Chantelle campaign, I spent 3 to 4 hours a day for 2 weeks at Tracie Martyn (59, 5th avenue, NY)! It's a spa on Broadway where Madonna, Kate Winslet, Susan Sarandon and her husband Tim Robbins regularly go for their fabulous smoothing and firming technique using micro-crystals.

Are you a diet-addict?

No. I am lucky, I don't have to make a big effort, and I can eat burgers and fries when I feel like it. I'm lucky not to like sugar. I never have candy or cake, but I drink water all day long.

How do you take care of your skin?

I use natural products and I never forget to moisturize in the morning and at night. When I have a problem ( a breakout, a rash or a line), I call my sister in LA. She owns a beauty parlor and she knows exactly what my skin needs. She makes up little concoctions for me with essential oils and natural oxygenizing ingredients that do wonders.

Do you have favourite products to take care of your long hair?

My friend and hair-stylist Marc Pinell has been doing my hair for more than 20 years, for both private and professional occasions. Color and cut, he knows exactly what is suitable for my hair. I always have them a little below the shoulder or up in a loose chignon. I use Bumble and Bumble and Kerastase products in turn.

Make-up or no make-up, how do you prefer yourself?

I love make-up! It's my passion, and I can't even concieve going out without it. Powder, mascara, blush, I put on color as I would with paint. For me, it's a form of art. I can't live without my Clé de Peau corrector. And I am a fan of Lancôme's products: Mascara Hypnôse Onyx, Poudre Majeure Excellence and Magie Blush Rose 03. I always carry in my bag the Chanel Aqualumières gloss to add luster to my lips. Finally, I put on every day Rose de Nuit or Sa Majesté la Rose perfumes by Serges Lutens.

Were you into lingerie before posing for Chantelle?

I have always collected underwear, but I didn't know it was important to get a specialist's advice to choose it. Since I became the new French Allure by Chantelle spokesperson, I am much more careful. Today, I go for models that combine comfort and style. My favourite: the "shell-shaped" bras, un-noticeable under a T.shirt and the Africa line (ultra fashionable) or the Graphie Sexy line, which velvety fabric completely seduced me. And last, I always try to match the color of my lingerie to that of my clothes.