Trailblazer Althea Laing celebrates milestone 70th birthday

Strutting down fashion runways, captivating in editorial spreads, and redefining beauty standards, trailblazer Althea Laing has undeniably broken stereotypes, paving the way for other models to follow. Earlier this month, she celebrated her 70th birthday and Sunday Lifestyle caught up with her as she savoured the cherished moments.

“My birthday celebration was nothing short of amazing. I was surrounded by the people who made a difference in my life– people who exhibited loyalty and sincerity. This is the first time in 35 years I have celebrated a birthday, so the memories of my 70th will be indelibly etched on the pages of my mind. Thanks to Dimario McDowell, Gem Myers, Allison Peart, Janet Fagan and Brian ‘Ribby’ Chung, I was able to celebrate after losing everything to Hurricane Melissa,” the internationally acclaimed model explained, noting that the recent devastation hit much closer to home than expected.

Despite the setback, Laing remains both grateful and graceful, as she continues to shine her light in every room she walks in. To reach three scores and ten, as promised in the Bible, is truly a remarkable feat, and anything beyond that is considered ‘brawta’ in her book. 

On a more professional note, to be viewed as an icon in the fashion industry is a title she treats with the utmost respect and honour, “I opened the doors to the modelling industry for models who came after [and] for that I am grateful. I have always admired Grace Jones and our stark resemblance created space for me in the industry.”

Embodying a uniquely elegant and timeless sense of style, she shared that she gravitates towards solid, versatile pieces that lend themselves to building a capsule wardrobe. “My fashion hasn’t really evolved over the years. I simply have nothing to prove so I am in a period of restoration which is a good thing,” she added.

Looking back on her achievements, Laing admits she is still pleasantly surprised by her win in the Miss Jamaica Fashion Model pageant in 1985. “I walked away with all of the major prizes, including best technique, best movement, most dynamic and the title,” she remarked.

Additionally, she followed that victory by becoming the first Jamaican model to appear on the cover of Essence magazine, achieving the feat not once but twice, first in August 1990 and again in September 1996.

Her many honours include receiving the RJRGLEANER Woman of Distinction Award, the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Award, and Most Outstanding Teacher awards at Belair High School, May Day High School, and Excelsior Community College. She was also inducted into the Pulse Hall of Fame for Beauty.

Her favourite era to live through was the 1970s. September 1976, she said, was the year that has shaped her life for the better, “When I walked through the gates of Excelsior High School and Community College. I was able to fan the flames of my creative spirit and blaze a trail in years to come. At Excelsior, I became the woman I am today, fearless and strong. I learned then to look into the mirror and fall in love with all I saw– skinny legs, natural hair, big lips and all.”

This refreshing air of confidence was inspired by her mother, who was her greatest cheerleader. “She loved me unconditionally. Although she passed three years ago, her memory lives on. Also, my only sister, Faye, has been there in the worst and best times, loving me with the love of God unconditionally. When my faith wavers, she lifts me up, as she is a believer in God's grace. Won't he do it?” Laing shared.

Outside of modelling, Laing is a major advocate for youth empowerment and domestic abuse survivors. 

“The most joy in my day-to-day life is nurturing the youth of this country. My soft spot is for underserved youth, which I work with quietly. I also am happiest when I give motivational and empowerment talks in schools. I am a source of encouragement for the less fortunate, and it is a pleasure to watch my son Renoir doing the same in his time,” she added.

One of the most valuable lessons she has learned is that you should never settle for less than you deserve. 

“In my contact with the students and children on the island, I have always instilled self-esteem, confidence, social graces and etiquette, [and] communication skills with the youth on the island. This summer is no different, as I will engage in Althea Laing’s Teens and Tweens Workshops in Kingston,” she noted.

Laing also has big plans to complete her book, which has been years in the making.  

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com