This week, we sit down with the joyful and unapologetically bold influencer Manny Martins Carmen—a 61-year-old model, weightlifter, painter, and accidental content creator who encourages her followers to “age like a rebel.” What started as a creative outlet during COVID has become a movement of radical self-expression, vibrant style, and fearless aging.

We talk about dressing up for joy (even if you’re just going to the optometrist), the healing power of movement, and how style can shift your mood and the energy of a whole room. Manny also opens up about recovering from a cancer diagnosis, competing in powerlifting, and applying for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue at 60+. Her message? Your joy is contagious—and it’s never too late to be fully, loudly, you.

Topics We Cover:

• Why dressing up when you don’t feel like it is a powerful move
• How creative disciplines (like graphic design and abstract art) can shape personal style
• Using fashion as a form of emotional regulation
• What powerlifting taught Manny after cancer and injury
• Midlife confidence, visibility, and pushing back against patriarchal beauty standards
• The design principles behind good outfits—and good paintings
• The real reason she applied to the Sports Illustrated model search
• Why wearing a bigger size might be the most liberating thing you do all year

Follow Manny:

• Instagram: @mannyfashionstylist
• Art account: @mannymartinscarmen
• TikTok & YouTube: @mannymartinscarmen

💌 Subscribe to our Substack for deeper dives, style essays, and behind-the-scenes content!

#ClosetPhilosophy #AgeLikeARebel #MannyMartinsCarmen #MidlifeStyle #PowerLiftingOver60 #StyleIsNotNeutral #AgingOutLoud #StyleAsJoy #NotYourDaughterStyle #WearTheSequins