Maye Musk’s career spans more than five decades, seamlessly blending fashion, beauty and wellness. Recently, the model and author, who is the mother of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been gaining traction in China, frequently traveling to the country for work. “I’ve been making appearances there at least once every month now. Last year I went to 12 cities in China for speaking engagements and for modeling, including skin care ones,” Musk shared with WWD.
Beginning as a bridal model in South Africa in her 20s, Musk often reflects on her early days on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from those shoots.
“Bridal looks through decades. In the 70s, at 28, I started modeling as mother-of-the bride, as I was the oldest model in South Africa,” Musk wrote in one post, detailing the elaborate styling of veils, lace and silhouettes that framed her introduction to modeling.
Fast forward to her global breakthrough as Cover Girl’s ambassador in 2017. At 69, Musk became the face of the brand’s Simply Ageless Collection, challenging the traditional boundaries of beauty representation. In the campaign’s commercial, Musk’s delivery underscored her belief in aging with grace.
In 2022, Musk broke barriers again following her signing with CAA, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition at age 74, clad in a striking Maygel Coronel swimsuit. The feature celebrated her as the magazine’s oldest cover model, symbolizing a shift toward inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Maye Musk on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition.
Sports Illustrated
Beyond her modeling career, Musk is a dietitian, nutritionist and bestselling author of “A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty and Success.” The book recounts her journey from a young model and single mother to an international fashion icon, offering insights into her resilience and adaptability in a constantly changing industry. Her career also includes collaborations with brands such as Fila and Ugg, starring in campaigns that showcased her ability to evolve with fashion’s shifting landscape.
See Maye Musk’s style evolution in the gallery below.
