Christie Brinkley Critics Told Her She'd Be 'Chewed Up And Spit Out' By Modeling Industry

The supermodel was more than happy to prove them wrong.

Christie Brinkley was once warned she wouldn’t make it in the fashion world for long.

In a new interview with People, the veteran supermodel revealed how she was told her time on catwalks and magazine covers would soon be over ― and how she proved them wrong.

“They told me by the time you’re 30, you’ll be chewed up and spit out of this business,” Brinkley, who celebrated her 70th birthday earlier this year, said. “But 50 isn’t 50 anymore. Thirty isn’t 30 anymore.”

As the Sports Illustrated cover girl’s career has continued to thrive, she said embracing her age has been a gift.

“It’s the start of a great decade,” she told People. “I’m hearing from women on my Instagram, like, ‘Now I’m looking forward to my 7-0. I was kind of dreading it, but you’re making it look so fun.’ And it is really important to make it fun and so far, so great.”