Bernadette Gledhill, from Huddersfield, has worked in the fashion industry for five decades, first as a model, then teaching others how it’s done and these days choreographing fashion shows. The 70-year-old’s career has come full circle, and she shares with us the joy of modelling, and why she’ll never let anyone perm her hair again!
Bernadette walking in designer Megan Johnson’s fashion show. Image: Megan Johnson How did you get into fashion?
I got into Fashion as a career quite unexpectedly. As a teenager I was extremely lacking in self-confidence, so my mother sent me to a Charm School!! She was forever saying to me: ‘Put your shoulders back.’ I had wonderful friends, but they were all so much smaller than me. I cannot believe looking back that I was so embarrassed about my height.
The course completely changed my career path. I had always wanted to become a Domestic Science teacher, but having entered a whole new world realized it was a career in Fashion and Beauty that I wanted. This was not favored by my school, and I had to be incredibly strong headed, looking back I am so proud of the 18-year-old me. I did it! The rest is history as they say and I am now celebrating 50 years of self-employment.
I ran several businesses and now so many years later I am still involved in the planning of Fashion events and back working as a Classic Model.
Describe your look:
Two words: Classic Cool.
Favourite brand or designer:
I love many companies on the high street, but I am very careful how I choose! I love a designer edgy type of look.
My favourites are & Other Stories, H & M, Cos (mainly accessories), and Zara, particularly the ZW range. For dressier outfits I love Rixo.
Past: Audrey Hepburn
Present: Jan De Villeneuve, who has such an iconic style and continues to work as an International Model at 81.
Favourite fashion item?
It would have to be my favourite accessory – a Hermes scarf that was a special gift many years ago and I love it as much now as I did then. An item not in my collection yet, but I haven’t given up hope to own a genuine CHANEL jacket. Ideally, I would like it to be vintage.
What I wear to impress:
I would always choose a classic Black Trouser suit. I could dress this down for day with a crisp white shirt or classic t shirt, a beautiful bag and trainers.
For evening I would just turn it round with a simple cami, evening bag, heels and a killer pair of earrings.
What I wear to relax:
Casual loose Uniqlo trousers and a cashmere sweater
Worst fashion faux pas?
Something I will never forget! Getting my hair permed in the late 70s for a model job. I didn’t have a choice it was just done. It was horrendous and it took months to grow out.
(Lesson learned, I spoke up from that moment on about what I wanted). Modelling was so different in those days, I love the industry so much more now.
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
I would say growing up as a teenager in the 70s as I was finding my own style and experimenting with fashion.
I probably made many mistakes, but it was always a passion
Favourite styles were – Ossie Clarke dresses, midi dresses, and floaty long skirts from Laura Ashley with petticoats and boots.
Best style advice?
Twice per year I completely empty my wardrobes. I take everything out and re-organise for the season (I pack away things I want to keep). Then it’s three piles – sell, donate to charity, or give to friends.
I feel that this gives you a clear vision of what you have and then I create lists of items from current trends to add in. One big rule though – never buy things just because you think they are in fashion.
I also am a great believer in a ‘hair and beauty update’ each season – just booking consultations can make a big difference.
It is no good having dated hair and make-up and then trying to look on trend with clothes. It all needs to work together.
The biggest lesson I learned many years ago – Less Is More!
I have so many that I love but I have narrowed it down to my favourites in three age categories -
Zendaya, Catherine The Princess Of Wales, and Helen Mirren
The look I wish would come back
Hollywood Glamour of the 30s 40s & 50s
What item has had its day and be confined to the back of the wardrobe?
I have a beautiful full length black and gold sequin dress that I modelled many years ago with huge, padded shoulders. I remember wearing it feeling very Joan Collins at the time. I cannot let it go, so I just look at it!!
What’s next?
My life is always full of surprises and that is what keeps me constantly focused.
As a Classic Model with J’adore Models (London & Manchester) I never know from one week to another what could be in store but that’s the fun of it. I am very grounded having worked in the industry for so long, so I try not to take anything too seriously and make sure that I enjoy whatever comes my way.
I am currently working on the Fashion Shows for the Great Yorkshire Show
(The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has been my favourite client for 25 years) please do come along and visit us on The Ariat GYS Stage. The Fashion Show is at 1pm each day.
Finally, my venture and friendship with Christine Talbot, Rachel Peru and Annie Stirk to form Find Your Midlife Magic has been an absolute joy. We all love working together and inspiring women to become the best version of themselves and what incredibly inspiring women we have all met through it. We are constantly working on new ideas and events so do keep an eye out on our socials.
Follow Bernadette’s adventures on Instagram @bernadette_gledhill
