Bella Hadid, 20, and Kendall Jenner, 21, frequented the couture shows in Paris this week, but Carmen Dell'Orefice, 85, might be the true runway star. On Wednesday night, the model closed the show for Guo Pei (the couturier behind Rihanna's iconic 2015 Met Gala look) covered in blood-red crystals and cascading lace. She was escorted down the catwalk by two young men, literally looking like an actual queen.

Performing arts, Costume design, Stage, Costume, heater, Performance art, Fashion design, Drama, Acting, Haute couture, pinterest
Getty Images

The crystallized headpiece atop her swept white locks served as a crown, completing the regal ensemble.

Hairstyle, Headgear, Costume accessory, Fashion accessory, Fashion, Costume design, Headpiece, Hair accessory, Costume, Lipstick, pinterest
Getty Images

Dell'Orefice, the "World's Oldest Working Model," joins the ranks of other older models who've recently graced the catwalk, such as those at the Vetements couture show on Tuesday, and others who appeared in shows like Tome, J. Crew and Tracy Reece in September. Lauren Hutton's cameo at Bottega Veneta last season might've been the most memorable.

Together, these models are defying ageism on the runway, and their progress is showing in numbers. The Spring 2017 fashion month was the most diverse one in recent history, boasting more models aged over 50 than "any other season in recent memory," according to The Fashion Spot.

Dell'Orefice, our May 1959 cover star, joked about working at her age toHarper's Bazaar last year: "I'm going for 105, then I'll see if I want to change professions."

Slay queen.

Headgear, Fashion, Costume design, Costume accessory, Art, Feather, Natural material, Costume, Wing, Carnival, pinterest
Getty Images
Headshot of Erica Gonzales
Erica Gonzales

Erica Gonzales is the Senior Culture Editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage on TV, movies, music, books, and more. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now.