80-Year-Old Grandpa Rocks His Runway Debut to Prove Age Is Just a Number

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You’re never too old to try something new—even if it’s as bold as strutting your stuff down a fashion runway. An 80-year-old grandfather named Wang Deshun is proving that designers should look to the older population when it comes to modeling clothes. Last year, the actor and artist rocked some seriously stylish attire during China Fashion Week, looking at home among the crowd.

As he grew older, Deshun sought to defy the aging process by staying fit—he works out for three hours a day—and keep his mind sharp by trying new things. According to The New York Times, he’s a creative type and worked in radio, film, and theater when he was younger. In addition, Deshun taught runway modeling and organized shows, but only recently made his runway debut.

The fashion show was a tipping point for Deshun and thrust him into the national spotlight. He’s now referred to as China’s “hottest grandpa” and inspires others to always live their dreams. “It’s about your state of mind. It’s not about age,” he explained. “Nature determines age, but you determine your state of mind.” Heeding his own advice, he already has his next adventure in mind—parachuting.

Witness Deshun’s infectious spirit in a short video, below.

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via [The Huffington Post]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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