Rest home embraces fashion week

A catwalk fashion show showcasing rest home residents’ designer talent and lots of comedy was hosted yesterday at Radius Taupaki Gables rest home in support of Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Ten elderly catwalk model residents aged 70+ years strutted their stuff on a makeshift catwalk showcasing a variety of clothing, hats and shoes.

Wheelchairs, walkers and walking sticks became fashion accessories for models as they pranced and danced down the catwalk much to the delight of fellow residents, friends and family.

Rest home staff also joined in the fun showing off a special collection of designer nursing outfits and wearable “trash” art. A comic new Radius nurse uniform was also launched at the event much to the delight of male residents who commented that it was “quite a bit racier than what the nurses currently wear”.

A collection of bridal dresses and a mock wedding march on the catwalk were highlights, as were the beach boy models in Hawaiian shirts followed by island dancing.

“We wanted to do something special to celebrate New Zealand fashion week and the Radius fashion show was a great success with a variety of different outfits modeled by residents and nursing staff. It was heaps of fun - there was much laughter and dancing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!” says Linda Venables, Facility Manager who extended a special thanks to the Salvation Army and private individuals who provided clothing for the show.

The event was well attended by more than 60 friends and family of Radius Taupaki Gables rest home and is anticipated to become a regular annual event.