From the operating room to the fashion runway, Astrid Palca embodies reinvention at its finest. A practicing medical professional turned international model, she has shattered outdated narratives about age and beauty. Now in her late fifties, Astrid proves that style, grace, and courage know no expiration date. Her story is one of resilience, self-expression, and unapologetic confidence — and today, she opens up to VOUS Magazine about her extraordinary journey.
VOUS: Astrid, your journey is extraordinary from medicine to modeling. How did this transition begin?
Astrid Palca: It all started unexpectedly. I was featured in a short recruitment video for my medical team, and that video opened doors I never imagined. What began as something simple quickly led to collaborations, photoshoots, and eventually international recognition. Modeling wasn’t a plan — it was destiny meeting opportunity.
VOUS: You balance two demanding careers: medicine and modeling. How do they complement each other?
Astrid Palca: At first, they seemed worlds apart. But both require discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Medicine gave me a deep understanding of the human body, and that perspective influences how I see beauty and aging — not as a decline, but as a graceful evolution. In both fields, precision and presence are everything.
VOUS: Age is often seen as a limitation in the fashion industry. What’s your perspective as a model in your late fifties?
Astrid Palca: I believe beauty has no expiration date. Aging is not about losing youth — it’s about gaining wisdom, inner peace, and a deeper connection to yourself. Women in their fifties are more visible than ever, leading, creating, and inspiring. I want to show that confidence and authenticity are more powerful than any age number.
VOUS: You’ve attended the Coco Rocha Model Camp, which many models call transformative. What impact did it have on you?
Astrid Palca: It was a defining moment. The intensive training sharpened my posing techniques, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence to embrace my unique path as a mature model. It felt like a booster — a reminder that reinvention is always possible, no matter when you start.
VOUS: You’ve already been featured in international magazines and worked on incredible projects. What’s next for you?
Astrid Palca: The journey is just beginning. I have upcoming shoots in Paris and Cannes, and I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me. My mission is not only to model clothes, but to model courage, growth, and authenticity. I want women everywhere to know: it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
VOUS: You’ve spoken about reinvention. What advice would you give someone who feels “it’s too late” to start over?Astrid Palca: It’s never too late. I started modeling when most women think their time has passed. The truth is, every stage of life has its own beauty. The courage to begin again is what keeps us alive, curious, and radiant.
VOUS: What role does fashion play in your daily life, outside of the spotlight?
Astrid Palca: Fashion is self-expression for me—even on the simplest days. I may be in casual clothes, but I still choose pieces that reflect elegance and confidence. It’s not about being dressed up, it’s about feeling aligned with yourself. That’s when fashion becomes personal power.
VOUS: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave through your journey?
Astrid Palca: I want women to see that beauty and strength don’t fade with time—they grow. My legacy is not just in photos or runways, but in showing women of every age that they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and represented.
VOUS: What has modeling given you on a personal level that perhaps medicine alone could not?
Astrid Palca: Modeling gave me freedom of expression. In medicine, I serve, I follow structure, I save lives—it’s deeply meaningful, but very disciplined. On the runway or in front of the camera, I can express emotions, creativity, and vulnerability. That balance between discipline and freedom has been life-changing for me.
VOUS: What message do you hope readers take away from your story?
Astrid Palca: That power doesn’t fade with time — it deepens. Reinvention is possible at any age. Beauty is not limited to youth; it belongs to those who embrace themselves fully. My best time is now, and I want other women to feel the same.
Astrid Palca is redefining what it means to step into power later in life. From medicine to modeling, she proves that reinvention has no age limit and that beauty only deepens with time. Her story is not just about breaking barriers in fashion, but about inspiring women everywhere to embrace authenticity, courage, and confidence at every stage of life. For Astrid, the best time is not behind her—it’s now, and she’s just getting started.
Our new October print issue with Astrid Palca 🔥
Model: Astrid Palca @astridpalca
FRONT COVER:
Photographer Make up artist and hairstyle: Maurizio Montani
/ @mauriziomontani_
Styling and assistance: Michaela Anderloni / @mikyander
Creative support: Gloria Montani / @gloriamontani
BACK COVER:
Photographer: Peter Müller / @peterulimax , @petermuellerphoto
Make up and hairstyle: Georgia Dimitriou / @georgiadmakeupartist
