Forty Plus Models, Inc. began as the vision of founder Callie Lewis-Watson, whose dream was to showcase the beauty, confidence, and elegance of mature models on the runway. Her passion for celebrating mature adults and redefining standards of beauty inspired an organization that continues to thrive today.

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That vision became a reality in May 1990, when forty friends joined Callie Lewis-Watson to present the inaugural Forty Plus Fashion Show. The historic event, held at the Stouffer Hotel in Houston, Texas, paid tribute to Mildred Johnson, Houston's first Black runway model. What began as a single fashion show soon became the foundation of a lasting legacy dedicated to service, empowerment, and opportunity.

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Building on the success of that first event, Forty Plus Models, Inc. was officially organized in January 1993. The organization was founded on the belief that beauty, confidence, grace, and style have no age limit. From the very beginning, CLW celebrated women over forty of every shape and size—from size 0 to size 24—proving that elegance and confidence transcend age and appearance.

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As the organization has grown, so has its mission. Today, CLW Forty Plus Models, Inc. proudly includes both women and men who serve as ambassadors of confidence, leadership, and community service. Through annual fashion productions, scholarships, mentorship, etiquette training, and outreach initiatives, the organization continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the Houston community.

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More than three decades after its founding, CLW Forty Plus Models remains committed to preserving the vision of Callie Lewis-Watson while inspiring future generations through scholarship, service, leadership, and excellence. Her dream continues to live on through every model, volunteer, scholarship recipient, and community partner whose lives are touched by the organization.