Christie Brinkley Recreates Ad Campaign Nearly 50 Years Later: ‘Some Things Get Better with Age’ (Exclusive)

Erin ClementsFri, October 23, 2026 at 1:30 PM UTC

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Christie Brinkley for Black Velvet WhiskyCredit: Black Velvet Whisky -

The 72-year-old model revisited her 1978 Black Velvet Canadian Whisky ads in a newly reimagined campaign

Brinkley says the experience reflects fashion’s growing inclusivity around age and beauty

She credits humor, curiosity and feeling healthy with helping her embrace aging gracefully

Christie Brinkley’s latest project is a blast from the past.

The supermodel, 72, stars in a new campaign for Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, nearly five decades after she first appeared in ads for the brand in 1978.

Brinkley tells PEOPLE she thought the concept of recreating the images was “such a good idea” when Black Velvet approached her with the gig, which was “a lot of fun.”

The photos aren’t an exact remake, but rather a reimagination of the shots Brinkley posed for in the late 1970s.

Christie Brinkley for Black Velvet WhiskyCredit: Black Velvet Whisky

Similarly to the original, she wears her hair both in cascading loose curls and in a chic updo.

For the latter, she says, “We did a slightly different hairdo because the old one sort of looked like a flattened beret or something.”

“But that was a really popular hairdo at the time,” she adds. “So we just gave it a little more of an update.”

Seeing the new images for the first time was “really emotional” for the model, who says she could still see herself as that 20-something woman, but now with “more confidence and elegance” that come with age and feeling comfortable in her skin.

Credit: Black Velvet Whisky

She sees the new campaign as “a continuation” of the old one, and loves that it feels “classic, yet modern and mature, with the same spirit.”

Brinkley says as a young model she never dreamed she’d be revisiting the ads nearly half a century later, but she thinks it’s “incredibly special.”

“It’s proof that some things get better with age, whiskey and models,” she says.

In fact, Brinkley says starring in the campaign in her 70s sends an important message.

Credit: Black Velvet Whisky

“I think that the ad probably wouldn’t be happening at all if we hadn’t already evolved to be a much more inclusive industry,” she says. “I think fashion is all about change, and our industry certainly is definitely all about change. But one of the most positive changes has been the inclusivity, the widening of our definition of beautiful.”

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“I have to say, to be on a set at 72 and be told, ‘You look beautiful,’ is something that wouldn’t have happened 50 years ago,” she adds. “And so I think that we are expanding our image of beauty in every area, and I think that’s beautiful.”

If she could give advice to her 20-something self, Brinkley says it would be to “live it up.”

“I really do believe, more than ever, it’s really important to really live each day,” she says. “If you’re still here and kicking, make the best of it. Do something fun with the day, every day. Even if it’s just making sure that you get out and see the sunset.”

Credit: Black Velvet Whisky

Reflecting on how her own definition of beauty has changed over the years, Brinkley says she no longer feels “the need to be so perfect.”

“Not that I ever thought I was perfect, but I tried to be perfect for the client, I tried to be that image,” she explains.

Now, she says, “If they want me, take me as I am. If they don’t and they want somebody else, that’s okay too. I’m just enjoying it and not feeling stressed out by every pound, any wrinkle or whatever. It’s not what I’m thinking about. And I think it’s beautiful to take the emphasis off of beauty.”

When it comes to aging gracefully, Brinkley believes sense of humor “has a huge amount to do with it.”

“Maintaining your curiosity for life,” she continues. “I think that those things play a huge part. And of course, feeling healthy, taking good care of yourself, because when you feel good you look good.”

Credit: Black Velvet Whisky

As for what makes the model excited to step in front of the camera these days, there’s a lot.

“I do love getting my hair and makeup done by professionals, and I think of it as an opportunity to learn, to stay up on what’s happening and what people are using and colors and all of that,” she says. “I do enjoy a transformative moment. I love it if they change my look. I love the clothes. I love getting to try on new things.”

So, who would Brinkley want to have a Black Velvet cocktail with?

“I would love to sit down with Jane Fonda and have a whiskey with her and hear her ideas about what’s going on in America these days,” she says. “Of course, my old standby, George Clooney. I always think he’s fascinating. He’s a great mixture of caring about the world and also doing great films and a great actor.”

“I love Joni Mitchell so much,” she adds. “I’d love to just toast to her, really, more than anything. Just toast to her to thank her for all the beautiful music she’s put out into the world and just all the joy that that’s brought and all of the healing that it’s brought, because you can put on a Joni Mitchell song when you have a broken heart and really feel it.”

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”