Lucerne native Bianca Sissing is proving that age is no barrier to pursuing long-held dreams. The former Miss Switzerland 2003 is currently competing on the 21st season of Germany’s Next Topmodel, captivating audiences and judges alike with her poise and determination. At 47, Sissing is positioned as a “Best Ager” contestant, challenging conventional beauty standards within the competitive world of high fashion.
Sissing’s journey back to modeling began with a desire to prove a point: that ambition doesn’t diminish with age. “I’m running for all the women who might have thought their dreams had an expiration date and want to prove that they don’t,” she stated, according to reports. Her goal is ambitious – to become the first “Best Ager” to win the competition, which has now moved its finale to Hollywood.
While many remember Sissing for her reign as Miss Switzerland in 2003, her path since then has been multifaceted. After completing a psychology degree in Toronto, she relocated to Switzerland and initially focused on a modeling career, achieving success on runways throughout the Alpine region. However, her life took a turn, leading her to become a successful author of books on yoga and mindfulness, and the founder of her own yoga studio in Lucerne. This holistic approach to well-being now informs her return to the spotlight.
Sissing’s participation in Germany’s Next Topmodel isn’t simply about reclaiming a past career; it’s about embracing a new chapter with a renewed sense of self. She emphasizes the lessons learned through life’s challenges, stating, “Through my life story, I have learned that every challenge holds a lesson and that change is the most honest form of growth.” This mindset, she says, is what she brings to the show, aiming to remain focused, professional, and authentic.
The show, currently airing Wednesdays and Thursdays on ProSieben, has already featured a casting round for male contestants before introducing the female hopefuls, including Sissing. Heidi Klum’s daughter, Leni Klum, stepped in to represent her mother during part of the initial casting process. The inclusion of Sissing highlights a potential shift in the show’s focus, embracing a wider range of ages and experiences.
Sissing’s journey is particularly poignant given her admiration for established figures in the entertainment industry. She cites Heidi Klum, along with Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara, as inspirations, recognizing them as examples of women who demonstrate that “beauty, strength, and success have no age.” The presence of these icons underscores the show’s attempt to redefine conventional notions of beauty and success.
The current season also features appearances from prominent figures in the fashion world, including designer Jean Paul Gaultier, Kilian Kerner, and Jeremy Scott, as well as models Brooks Nader, Amelia Gray, and Lottie Moss, who will offer guidance to the aspiring contestants. This blend of established and emerging talent suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience for the participants.
Sissing’s story resonates beyond the confines of the competition. It speaks to a broader cultural conversation about ageism and the importance of representation. Her willingness to step back into the modeling world at 47 challenges the industry’s often-youth-obsessed standards and offers a powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment. Whether she ultimately wins the title remains to be seen, but her presence on Germany’s Next Topmodel has already sparked a conversation about redefining beauty and embracing the wisdom that comes with age.
