At 96, this grandma makes history as the oldest model at Miami Swim Week. See her strut
Woke up feeling creaky? A few gray hairs poking through?
You may want to stop griping for a minute when you hear about what Gloria Mantell Pallot’s been up to.
The Coral Gables resident just walked in her first ever runway show at Miami Swim Week Sunday night at M2 nightclub in South Beach.
Did we mention she’s 96? We’ll wait while your jaw goes back into place.
We checked the history books. Pallot is officially the oldest person to ever strut her stuff at the annual extravaganza celebrating all things skimpy.
Dressed in a blue one piece bathing suit, with a piece of eye candy on each arm, Pallot worked the catwalk (for sustainable fashion brand Love for Upcycling) like a pro. The audience cheered and clapped and we heard at least one catcall.
OK, so this recent modeling gig wasn’t her first rodeo. In the 1940s, the grandmother of four was a proud Hurricane Honey, back when the University of Miami football games had beauty queens on the sidelines. The last time she walked an aisle was 73 years ago when she got married. (Aside: Hubby Norton Pallot, a World War II vet, turns 100 this year).
So, what’s the secret to the Miami Beach native’s longevity?
Keys are “maintaining a positive attitude, eating healthy — lots of soups and salads — and working out seven days a week,” she said.
Age is just a number in her book.
“You can achieve anything you put your mind and heart into, including becoming a star at 96,” she said. “I never stop dreaming.”
This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 3:46 PM.
