After marrying in 1954, she stepped away from the industry to raise her family, though she occasionally appeared in commercials and small film roles.

Following her husband’s death in 1997, she returned to modeling in her 70s and went on to achieve even greater success. She appeared at major fashion events, including London Fashion Week, and signed with a leading agency.

Reflecting on her later-life success, Selfe once said she “had more modeling success since I was 70 than I ever did when I was 20.”

She added, “I became successful when I embraced my age and went gray,” noting, “It made me more striking.”

In a 2023 interview, she also shared her approach to longevity, saying,

“I like a glass of champagne. Only occasionally, if it’s somebody’s birthday. Or my birthday.” She emphasized the importance of staying social as well, explaining, “I’m a great one for socializing, and getting my friends together, even if it’s only for a coffee. And I do like to have a party.”

Daphne was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest model and was honored with the British Empire Medal. In 2015, she founded the Daphne Selfe Academy, creating opportunities for women of all ages to learn about and pursue careers in the fashion industry.

Even into her 90s, Selfe remained active and engaged, once telling Prince William that she had no plans to retire — a response he reportedly called “amazing.”