Supermodels Carolyn Murphy and Amber Valletta on ageless style and clever shopping

Speaking to The Telegraph, Carolyn credits her mother for - non-intentionally - helping to start her career when she was in her late teens: “My mother entered me into an eight week ‘finishing school’ because I was tomboy, shy and introspective. I kicked and screamed to do the end-of-course fashion show at a shopping mall, and that's where I got scouted.”

Murphy has said before that her ascent into modelling took longer than most, stating that for five years after signing with an agency she was rejected for jobs- and assumes it was because she wasn't tall enough at 5ft 7ins. But now, with over 20 years of experience under her belt, she’s in high-demand and believes the fashion industry is embracing older women as opposed to accepting them: “The reality is women represent 80% of purchases and consumerism, and we are of all ages and backgrounds.”

Amber agrees that brands are broadening their scope, adding: “I think the industry is becoming more diverse in age, race and gender. It’s an exciting time as more people are feeling represented, which is vital to a thriving industry.”

The fashion veterans, both 44, wear chunky knits and heritage checks (made from recycled wool)- proof of the high street store's offering of on-trend yet timeless pieces. Amber, who has walked the runway for everyone from Saint Laurent to Isabel Marant, has found that it’s not just her wardrobe that transitions with time: “I feel my style has evolved with my age- I’m way more confident today than in my 20s. I love my legs and short dresses that show them off.”

For Valletta, some of her favourite wardrobe items are vintage pieces she’s acquired over the years working with brands like Chanel, Versace and Halston. While Carolyn's go-tos are sweaters and dresses that were made by her grandmother. “She personalised the tags and it says ‘Made With Love, By Nana’.”

“I’m a very conscious shopper,” muses Amber, who has amassed a large enough collection of clothes by now to know that less can sometimes be more. “I try to buy clothes or accessories that will be in my wardrobe for many years. Clothing shouldn’t be thought of as disposable even if it’s inexpensive.”