From Love of Fashion to an aspiring runway model, Lucy Tomaselli La Rosa’s journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. At 56, she embraced mature-aged modelling, combining creativity, family support, and ambition to redefine success and inspire limitless possibilities.
Photographer: @exclusivephotographymelbourne
Bridging Life’s Gaps with Courage
Photographer: @clickawaysam
At the age of 43, Lucy faced one of the greatest challenges of her life: becoming a widow while raising two children on her own. Her strength and determination ensured that her children grew into independent adults. Yet, amid the demands of motherhood, Lucy’s personal aspirations took a backseat. In December 2023, at the age of 56, Lucy took a bold step into a new world by entering a competition for a photoshoot. The experience reignited a passion she had long set aside. “This was the start of my mature-aged modeling journey,” she shares, reflecting on how that photoshoot opened doors she had never imagined.
Mother’s Wisdom and Legacy
Photographer: @thephotostudioaustralia
Lucy’s creativity has always been a defining trait. Growing up, she delighted in finding treasures in thrift stores and transforming them into unique fashion statements. Her love for styling and vintage fashion, often inspired by her mother’s wardrobe, became an outlet for self-expression. Her mother is her rock; her wisdom inspires and gives her the strength to carry on. Lucy emphasizes the influence of her family’s unwavering support in shaping her journey, saying, “We can listen to her forever.”
A Legacy of Creativity, Clothing and Dance
Photographer: @r.a.photographer
Lucy’s love for sewing and creativity carries deep familial ties, symbolized by her grandmother’s cherished sewing machine. Passed down as a testament to their shared passion, the sewing machine stands as a poignant reminder of her grandmother’s influence and craftsmanship. Alongside it sits a handmade bag Lucy crafted, showcasing her artistic spirit and dedication to creating unique pieces.
Adding another layer of sentiment is a little table gifted by her mother, adorned with a dancing lady—a beautiful nod to Lucy’s lifelong love for Latin and ballroom dancing. “I grew up always on the dance floor at family functions and social dance events,” Lucy fondly recalls. This year, she is set to take her passion for dance to new heights by stepping into the competitive arena, embracing a new chapter of her journey with resilience and grace.
Collaborating and Creating with Passion
Photographer: @wmarcakis
Modeling has become more than a passion for Lucy—it’s a collaborative art form. She finds joy in exchanging ideas with photographers during photoshoots and feels honored when her work gains global recognition and magazine features.
“I love creating and pushing my boundaries,” Lucy explains. Modeling allows her to step outside her comfort zone, breaking barriers and fears she once held.
Redefining Success Through Inspiration
Photographer: @crownvisualstudio
For Lucy, success is about more than personal achievement. It’s about inspiring others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. She hopes to encourage people to see their aspirations come to life, just as she has.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Among her greatest achievements, Lucy is most proud of raising her two children into accomplished adults with loving partners. Their encouragement and support fuel her drive to continue modeling and pursuing her dreams.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Expansion
Photographer: @tan5783
The future is bright for Lucy. In the coming year, she plans to collaborate on a second photoshoot with photographers, take on more projects, and even participate in fashion shows and runways. With hopes of traveling overseas, Lucy aims to expand her modeling career while continuing to inspire others.
A Legacy of Strength and Passion
Lucy Tomaselli La Rosa’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of reinvention. From love of fashion to modeling, she has embraced every challenge with grace and determination, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
