Isabella Rossellini returns to Lancome

SHE was the face of Lancome for 14 years, but after a 30-year break, Isabella Rossellini is back at the French luxury skincare brand.

Rossellini graced the brand with her charm and beauty from 1983 to 1997. But she was unceremoniously “dumped” six days after her 40th birthday. It was widely speculated at the time that she was “too old”.

“They sent me so many flowers on my 40th birthday, it was a morgue,” she told Vogue some years later. “I knew I was dead. They said, ‘be grateful Isabella. You’re lucky you lasted so long in the business’.”

Today, at 63 years of age, Rossellini has made time her best friend, and happiness and well-being her greatest strengths.

When announcing her return, Lancome general manager Francoise Lehmann said: “Isabella embodies the idea of an accomplished beauty that is synonymous with well-being.”

“She also maintains a very positive attitude to age, which she experiences as liberating and self-affirming,” Lehmann continued.

MODEL AND MUSE

In her new role as muse and spokesmodel at Maison Lancome, Rossellini will be “sharing her secrets of how to accomplish genuine beauty”.

“I am overwhelmed with emotion to come back,” Rossellini said. “Our collaboration meant so much to me and continuing it fills me with immense joy and great expectations.

“It’s a strong indication of Lancome’s inclusiveness and celebration of all women. But I am also proud of today’s ambassadors, women who inspire, are intelligent, strong, independent and joyful.”

Rossellini joins a growing list of women of a certain age fronting beauty campaigns who reject the notion that only youth equals beauty.

Welcome back Isabella!

Ever stylishly yours …