While models aged above 25 are few and far between in the fashion industry, local beauty Nicole McKendry is proof that a successful career as a model doesn't have to end once you hit the quarter-century mark.

The 32-year-old brunette, signed to Chadwick Models, is a regular on the catwalk and plans to work for as long as she is in demand.

"I'm still doing a lot of runway shows, photographic work and swimwear," McKendry, who began modelling at 16, said.

"I think it's important to have a bigger age variety in modelling - a 15-year-old in clothes most likely to be worn by a 30-year-old is not a particularly realistic look."

In the past 12 months, there has been an international shift towards the use of older models.

Madonna, 51, has fronted the advertising campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana for the past two seasons, while 41-year-old Christy Turlington appears for Louis Vuitton, and 47-year-old Elle Macpherson modelled for the luxury label's winter collection.

Sheila magazine editor Kristen Watts said: "We're deliberately seeking models in the 30s or 40s but very few are signed up to agencies."