Mick Jagger and Melanie Hamrick: A Stylish Love Story at NYC Ballet Gala
ROLLING IN THE YEARS: MICK JAGGER AND HIS 38-YEAR-YOUNGER FIANCÉE MELANIE HAMRICK STEAL THE SHOW AT NYC BALLET'S FALL FASHION GALA
The cat's out of the bag, and Mick Jagger's love life is more scandalous than ever! The Rolling Stones frontman, who turned 82 this year, looked like a spry young thing as he strolled the red carpet with his fiancée Melanie Hamrick, a stunning 38-year-old ballerina-turned-choreographer. The multi-decade age gap between the two has raised eyebrows in the past, but on Wednesday evening at the New York City Ballet's Fall Fashion Gala, they were the picture of elegance and sophistication.
Hamrick, who has been with Jagger since 2014, lit up the event with her jaw-dropping crimson gown. The satin number was a masterclass in understated chic, featuring a high neckline that screamed "I'm a sophisticated woman" and a plunging back that said "I'm still got it!" The sleeveless design showcased Hamrick's toned arms to perfection, while the long skirt cascaded down to the ground like a waterfall of red silk. And let's not forget those strappy black open-toe heels and matching red pedicure – talk about making a statement!
Jagger, on the other hand, opted for a more laid-back look, pairing his black-and-white floral-print shirt with a white collar that he left undone (because who needs rules, anyway?) under a sleek black velvet tuxedo jacket. The pièce de résistance? A pair of black Nike trainers – because when you're 82 and still rocking it like Jagger does, you can wear whatever the heck you want!
But what really got our attention was Hamrick's involvement in this year's Fall Fashion Gala. Not only did she make a stunning appearance on the red carpet with her rockstar beau, but she also brought her A-game to the stage as a choreographer. Her ballet, Porte Rouge, features music from Jagger's Rolling Stones collaborations with Keith Richards – talk about a match made in heaven (or at least in hell, considering their infamous "disagreement" over songwriting credits).
Hamrick's background is steeped in classical dance, having spent five years studying at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. She then went on to join the American Ballet Theatre, where she danced for an impressive 15 years before retiring in 2019. Since then, she's focused on choreography and – as if that wasn't enough – revealed a hidden talent for fiction by publishing her debut novel in 2023!
The couple met in 2014 when they were both touring Japan with their respective bands (Jagger with the Rolling Stones, Hamrick with American Ballet Theatre). It wasn't until June of that year that they became an item, and we're still trying to wrap our heads around the fact that Jagger welcomed his eighth child, Deveraux Octavian Basil (with Hamrick), in 2016.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Hamrick brushed off concerns about their significant age gap: "Everyone's going to have their opinion. If you think about others' opinions, no matter where you are in life, you're going to have a problem and you're going to analyze it." Well, we don't blame her one bit – who needs anyone else's approval when you've got Mick Jagger on your arm?
As for the Fall Fashion Gala itself? It was a veritable Who's Who of fashion and ballet royalty. According to The Scholarly Note, the event featured world premieres by former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts, with music by Venezuelan musician and record producer Arca and costumes by Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen. And let's not forget those contemporary hits showcasing styles by Virgil Abloh in Gianna Reisen’s Composer’s Holiday and Gianni Versace in William Forsythe’s Herman Schmerman pas de deux!
The evening was a testament to the power of art to bring people together, regardless of age or background. As Jagger and Hamrick took their well-deserved bows, we couldn't help but think: if this is what 82 looks like, then we're all in trouble!
