Christie Brinkley made a triumphant return to New York Fashion Week on September 14, 2023, as she graced the runway for Dennis Basso’s Spring/Summer 2027 show. The 72-year-old supermodel closed the event with a stunning performance set to the iconic song “Uptown Girl,” a track that holds personal significance as Brinkley stars in the 1983 music video alongside her ex-husband, Billy Joel.
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This marked Brinkley’s first major runway appearance in almost ten years, and she was enthusiastic to step back into the spotlight. Backstage, she reflected on her experiences and the joy of being part of such a vibrant event. “Who wouldn’t love to be in this position? It’s so fun to come and walk in a show, wearing this spectacular gown that makes me feel like a million bucks plus taxes,” she expressed.
Dennis Basso, the designer behind the collection, was equally thrilled about having Brinkley walk his show. Speaking to PEOPLE, he noted her versatility, describing her as a “chameleon” who can effortlessly transition between lifestyles. Just days before the fashion event, Brinkley had been engaging in her passion for nature, specifically trying to save horses in Wyoming. “I saw her suitcase at the hotel with all her cowboy boots in it,” Basso recalled, highlighting her diverse interests and her ability to embrace different aspects of life.
Basso’s latest collection was themed “Uptown Girl,” inspired by the lifestyle of sophisticated women living in affluent locales such as Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, and the Hamptons. However, he also emphasized the modern reinterpretation of this theme through Brinkley, who balances her high-fashion persona with real-world activism. “The modern ‘DB Uptown Girl’ is in Wyoming saving the horses and wearing jeans,” he explained. The serendipity of Brinkley closing the show to “Uptown Girl” after having the song written for her decades ago underscored a beautiful connection between past and present.
Brinkley reminisced about the filming of the music video for “Uptown Girl,” recalling a particularly memorable shoot where the heat was nearly unbearable. “The night we shot that video was the hottest of the summer. We were working late at a gas station opposite CBGB, and I remember getting my heel stuck in the melted pavement,” she laughed, reflecting on both the challenges and fun of that iconic moment.
Having celebrated her 72nd birthday in February, Brinkley views this phase of her life as a time of joy and self-acceptance. “The 70s have been amazing,” she shared. “I don’t feel like 72, and I want to tell other women not to fear aging because it’s not what you think. I’m having a great time.” This positive outlook is not only about embracing age but also about enjoying the work she chooses to do. “If it’s not fun, I don’t want to do it,” she stated, indicating her selective approach to her career.
In addition to her fashion endeavours, Brinkley remains dedicated to animal rights activism. She has been vocal about the need to protect the country’s wild horses, particularly in light of allegations that the previous administration exploited legal loopholes to cull them. “They represent everything that we love about America. Freedom, untamed, just able to travel at will and go where you want to go,” she proclaimed, advocating for the rights of these majestic creatures.
This blend of modelling, activism, and personal philosophy continues to define Brinkley’s legacy. Her participation in the Dennis Basso show not only celebrates her enduring presence in the fashion world but also highlights her complex identity as a model and advocate. As she moves forward, Brinkley remains a figure of inspiration for women everywhere, demonstrating that age should not limit one’s passion, purpose, or ability to make an impact.
As the fashion week festivities wrapped up, it was clear that Christie Brinkley’s golden finale was not just a spectacle of style but a celebration of resilience and a commitment to living a meaningful life. Her luminescent spirit on the runway, echoed by her dedication to important causes, serves as a bright example for those who look up to her.