Page 10 - Real Style November 2017

THe NeW CoverGIrl moDel IS FAr more THAN JUST eloN’S mom
by faTima syEd
THey sAy THAT BeHiND every great man stands an even greater woman. As the mother of Te- sla founder Elon Musk, Maye Musk certainly ts this expression. speaking to us via phone from New york City, Musk’s dulcet voice reveals a soft south African accent and a gracious, gentle demeanour. However, it’s clear that the newly minted face of CoverGirl is also more than just elon’s mother. At the age of 69, the seasoned Regina-born model has chalked up an impressive ve decades on the runways. However, 2017 seems to be her biggest year yet. With her new CoverGirl role, Musk has been making waves and headlines as the cosmetics brand’s oldest ever ambassador. in september, the elegant trendsetter also graced the New york Fash-
ion Week catwalks.
“That was a big thrill. i opened Concept Ko-
rea with one young designer, and then i had to get changed for the second designer \[Project Runway\], and they had to change my makeup. The makeup artists worked on me for ve minutes, because I closed the show,” Musk tells us enthusiastically.
Unlike many famous faces who are chasing the fountain of youth, Musk embraces her life experi- ences and years in the spotlight. And it’s not just her—the reactions from audiences have also been positive. “The people are so excited to see an older woman on the runway. The applause, the attention, is wonderful. Women of all ages should be celebrat- ed,” she says.
With all these accomplishments under her styl- ish belt, Musk certainly has a lot to celebrate. yet, she takes pride in her intellectual achievements and charitable involvements as well. Although her sleek style and natural, timeless beauty are impressive, she also happens to have a mind for science. As a dietitian, Musk has earned two Masters of science degrees, and completed one of her degrees at the University of Toronto. she has a particular affection for Toronto, and is excited for her return to the city on November 8, for the Margaret + George Make News event at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
“i modelled in yorkville, etobicoke and on King street West. i was there for six and a half years, when i returned to Canada,” Musk explains, as she re ects on her years in Toronto. At the end of the day, however, it’s south Africa that is home sweet home. Musk was born Maye Haldeman in 1948, and moved to Pretoria with her family as a little girl. “People forget that i was born in Canada and i grew up in south Africa because of my accent. i had lovely Canadian parents, very hard-working, kind, considerate, intelligent and honest. i grew up with a
happy childhood.”
in south Africa, locals jokingly referred to the
family as “the Americans,” due to the way her par- ents sounded and the aroma of coffee in the house- hold. Musk went on to meet her husband, errol
10 Real Style November 2017
MAYE MUSK
Photos, left: covergIrl INstagram rIght: INstarImages