Attitude to ageing is changing as Judi Dench becomes Vogue's oldest cover star

At the age of 85, Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has become the oldest person ever to feature on the cover of a British Vogue magazine in its 104-year history.

Dame Judi Dench best known for her roles in Mrs Brown, Shakespeare In Love and James Bond films including GoldenEye and Skyfall, appears in the June issue and has made history with her cover shoot after nearly 60 years of acting.

’Vogue’s decision to feature Dench is particularly uplifting during these difficult times’

The Bond actress who had her first tattoo “Carpe diem” inscribed on her wrist on her 81st birthday spoke to Vogue Magazine about her feelings towards ageing. She said: “I don’t like it at all, I don’t think about it. I don’t want to think about it. They say age is an attitude… it’s horrible.”

Founder of the-Bias-Cut.com, an online fashion boutique selling style for every age, Jacynth Bassett said: “At 85, Dame Judi Dench has become the oldest ever person to grace the cover or British Vogue, and it couldn’t be more pertinent.

“Not only does it signify shifting attitudes towards ageing within the fashion industry, Vogue’s decision to feature Dench is particularly uplifting during these difficult times.

“At well over 70, Dench is technically categorised as ‘vulnerable’, and yet here she is, radiant and relevant as ever, offering inspiration to her peers who may be feeling particularly low and anxious right now.”

Dame Judi who is currently self-isolating at home during the coronavirus pandemic said: “I am sure I feel like everyone else, such unprecedented times are quite hard to comprehend.

"What is a good thing is that it has made people aware of the predicament of others who are completely alone.

"If a great deal of kindness comes out of this, then that will be a plus."

At the age of 81, Jane Fonda was the previous oldest cover star appearing last year. Ms Bassett said: “They chose to reduce its ageless style issue to an advertorial supplement with Jane Fonda on the front, hidden behind Kate Moss’s main cover on the stands.

“Now Vogue is defiantly proud to put an older woman front and centre, confident in its commercial value and appeal – not just to older women themselves, but its whole readership.”

’This is a cover that is celebrating an 85 year old woman for who she is now’

Dame Judi Dench, born December 1934 made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company and her film debut in 1964 for The Third Secret. From 1995 to 2012, Dame Dench rose to international fame by playing the character M in the James Bond films with Skyfall being her last.

A seven-time Academy Award nominee, Dame Judi Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love in 1998.

Speaking to Vogue about retirement, the Oscar-winning actress said: “No, no, no, no. Don't use that word. Not in this house. Not here. Wash your mouth out!”

“She may not much like being 85,” says Ms Bassett “but ultimately this is a cover that is celebrating an 85 year old woman for who she is now - not who she was, or wishes she could be. Bravo Edward Enniful and British Vogue, this is exactly what we needed to see, now more than ever.”

Jacynth Bassett founded the Bias Cut in 2016 and has since created the global movement and community Ageism Is Never In Style. This platform unites individuals of all ages to discuss ageism in fashion and inclusivity, and to support and inspire one another.

She is swiftly becoming recognised as one of the leading pioneers of style at every age and is passionate about intergenerational connection and communication, believing it is key to ending ageism.