An unexpected scandal broke out in Paris during Haute Couture Week: Spanish model Laura Ponte, who recently turned 52, became the main sensation of the Chanel show. Her return to the runway was so striking that even established stars, including Penélope Cruz, were overshadowed. The audience and experts were openly surprised: Ponte, once one of the highest-paid supermodels in the world, proved once again that age is no barrier to triumph in the fashion world.
Laura Ponte’s appearance at Matthieu Blazy’s show for Chanel became a real event. She chose a sheer yet elegant ensemble that highlighted her individuality and boldness. The focus was especially on her makeup-free face—a gesture many saw as a challenge to the industry’s entrenched standards. While other celebrities supported this move, it was Ponte who truly made it her trademark.
Stars in the shadows
While global celebrities like Dua Lipa, Tilda Swinton, Penélope Cruz, and Nicole Kidman filled the front row, all eyes were on the Spaniard. Even Penélope Cruz, one of Chanel’s most recognizable ambassadors, couldn’t steal the spotlight. Laura Ponte confidently demonstrated that experience and charisma can outshine the brightest figures in show business.
For Ponte, this show was not just another runway appearance but a true return to fashion’s elite. After a long break and a successful comeback in Milan at the Versace show, she once again found herself at the center of attention. Her story is an example of not only returning but also reclaiming recognition in a fiercely competitive world.
Personal drama
Laura Ponte’s life has always been closely connected to the world of aristocracy and high-profile events. Her marriage to Beltrán Gómez-Acebo, the king’s nephew, became one of the most talked-about unions in Spain. The wedding, attended by the royal family, and their subsequent family life were frequently discussed in the press. After their divorce, the couple maintained a respectful relationship despite rumors and speculation.
But it wasn’t just Ponte’s personal life that drew attention. After leaving the runway, she turned to design, continuing the family tradition. Launching her own jewelry brand and a line of wedding dresses marked a new stage in her career. In her studio in the heart of Madrid, she brings her ideas to life while staying connected to her roots and heritage.
Trials and comeback
Serious tests were not spared, either. In 2022, Laura Ponte suffered a major incident—an eye injury that almost cost her her sight. The model underwent a cornea transplant and faced a long recovery. This period became a true test of endurance for her, but she managed to return to work and walk the runway again, sparking a wave of support from fans and colleagues.
Today, Laura Ponte is not only a symbol of Spanish fashion but also an example of resilience and self-irony. Her journey is a story of overcoming personal and professional challenges without losing individuality and inner freedom. Her appearance at the Chanel show became not just a fashion event, but a true manifesto of maturity and independence.
A new chapter
Such comebacks are rare in the fashion industry, and Laura Ponte’s return has sparked a wave of excitement. She has managed not only to remind the world of her presence but also to set new standards for models over 50. Her story inspires many, and her courage and openness earn respect even from the harshest critics.
The Chanel show in Paris featuring Ponte became a symbol of change: now, the catwalk values not only youth but also experience, charisma, and personal narrative. Spanish fashion has once again captured the world’s attention, while Laura Ponte finds herself at the peak of her career, despite all the challenges and changes.
Laura Ponte is one of the most renowned Spanish models of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her career began after winning a prestigious modeling competition in London, and she quickly became the face of leading global brands. Beyond modeling, Ponte is known as a designer of jewelry and wedding dresses, and as a member of an aristocratic family. Her journey is marked not only by professional achievements but also by personal trials, making her one of the most respected figures in Spanish fashion.
