Iris Berben on the catwalk in Paris: “A feeling of joy and strength”

Iris Berben (74) walks the catwalk in Paris as part of “Le Défilé” for L’Oréal Paris. It is “the third catwalk show that I have been allowed to accompany,” she says in an interview about the event. The catwalk appearance is a “feeling of joy, a feeling of strength.” She also reveals why she doesn’t feel nervous and what advice she has for women who are struggling with getting older.

This isn’t your first time walking the catwalk in Paris. Are you still nervous?

Iris Berben: The initial nervousness has given way to anticipation. During my first two appearances on the catwalk, I entered completely new territory, which naturally led to a certain amount of excitement – after all, you are moving in a circle of absolute professionals. But it is precisely this professional environment in which I found myself embedded today and then that also takes away the nervousness. After all, we all share a deeper motive for walking down the catwalk here in Paris: it is about the visibility of women – regardless of their age, skin color, size or stature. It is a powerful statement of female solidarity and togetherness. This shared motivation gives you a very special form of security. It is not about achieving perfection in your walk, but about feeling joy and fun and showing your own personality to the outside world. This thought makes me feel a lightness that lets all tension fall away from me. Here, in the midst of the L’Oreal Paris family, I know that we all support each other in an atmosphere of self-confidence and trust.

How much do you enjoy the big appearance on the catwalk?

Berben: It is a feeling of joy, a feeling of strength – but at the same time also an expression of fun and self-confidence. I find it remarkable that the performance as part of “Le Défilé” is completely free of competition. A feeling of togetherness becomes tangible, which shapes the moment and makes it something very special. I enjoy the performance as a collective unit to the fullest, because it makes a statement from women to women worldwide. The first time I described the meeting in Paris as a kind of huge children’s birthday party. Today I would probably phrase it less like that, because the necessity and importance of what we are doing here is now much more present to me. It is about bringing demands to the public, breaking through invisibility and being loud. When you have the opportunity to do this in such a playful yet effective way as is the case along the iconic catwalk show, you can only enjoy it to the fullest.

Together with Helen Mirren, you are one of the longest-standing brand ambassadors of the L’Oreal Paris family. What do you particularly admire about your fellow actress?

Berben: Helen Mirren is undoubtedly an icon in the world of film and within the L’Oreal Paris family. Her outstanding career is the result of her talent, her fearlessness and her tireless willingness to take on the most versatile roles. Her political stance, her sharp wit and her unwavering presence make her a remarkable personality, I think. I had the honor of giving a eulogy to her when she received the Berlinale Honorary Award and my closing remarks were that she is an “eternally cool rock’n’roller” – and that is exactly what she is. Our long collaboration and mutual exchanges are marked by joy and respect. I admire her continuous commitment and her ability to recognize both the necessity and the privilege of her influence. Helen Mirren remains a source of inspiration and pleasure and I always look forward to our meetings and the exchanges we share, not least here in Paris.

You are a role model for many women and regularly prove that beauty and charisma are not a question of age. What advice do you have for women who are struggling with getting older?

Berben: It’s not that I don’t struggle sometimes. It’s only human to struggle with getting older from time to time – that’s part of it. But it’s crucial to use common sense and a certain pragmatism in these moments. To think about the challenges you’ve already successfully mastered and the deep valleys you’ve gone through. It’s also important not to constantly compare yourself to others, but to build a friendly relationship with yourself. This goes hand in hand with critical self-reflection, which helps you to see old age not as a threat, but as a part of life. In the past, people often talked about fixed age limits, but today it’s not about always looking young, but about keeping an alert mind. A lively mind is reflected in our eyes and a fearless attitude is shown in our faces. Laughing and acting silly are essential aspects that enrich life. We should leave routines behind us much more often and dare to try new experiences. It is these many small facets and mosaic pieces that contribute to the perception of getting older as something positive and enriching.

What tips would you give when it comes to makeup?

Berben: In my opinion, the importance of regular care cannot be emphasized enough. In today’s world, where care products are constantly being refined and tailored to a wide range of needs, they are a crucial tool for a fresh appearance. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that less is often more. I prefer a light foundation that offers transparency and gives subtlety rather than heavy coverage. When it comes to eye make-up, I also go for a gentler application that emphasizes natural youthfulness. Instead, I attach great importance to carefully emphasizing my eyebrows and highlighting my lips in the right shades. I think the choice of lipstick can make a significant contribution to the mood and emphasising the overall look. I found my perfect match with the Matte Resistance lipstick by L’Oreal Paris in shade 630.