Annah Stretton’s fashion show at Hilda Ross lifts spirits
Christine Wallace’s youthful deportment classes paid off when she made her modelling debut at 76, strutting down the catwalk in a fancy Annah Stretton number.
The Waikato fashion designer, popular for her floral and vibrant designs, hosted a fashion parade at Hilda Ross Village this week.
The event attracted over 100 residents and 10 of them graced the ramp in brand new designer frocks.
However, events like this were significant as it brought everyone together.
“It's the outside life coming in for a lot of them, who are maybe in the apartments or the rest home.”
Stretton was accompanied by foodie Allyson Gofton - from the television show Food in a minute - who spoke about the importance of food and presented Christmas kitchen tips and tricks to the residents.
In addition to the small fashion show, Stretton also set up a shop for residents to buy Christmas presents.
“We just want to bring a little bit of cheer to the individuals here.”
The fashionista was also behind the staff uniforms at the village.
Gofton, who worked part-time at Annah Stretton Cambridge, said people forget to spoil themselves as they get older.
“You know, sometimes we forget to put on an extra special frock.
“So it's just nice to celebrate them.”
Gofton said fashion was really important to uplift a person’s confidence.
“When you look good, you stand taller, you feel prouder about yourself.
“I watch them come into the shop, when they put on a dress and heels and they stand in front of the mirror, all of a sudden they spring back to the young person that they used to be and there is a visible lift in them.
“You see light in their eyes and the smile comes across their face and it's just lovely.”
Hilda Ross village advisor Joanne Funk said it was a wonderful end of the year celebration and some inspiration for the residents.
Funk said these events were important to lift their spirits and to get them engaged.
The audience had formed a queue outside the hall half an hour before the event and Funk said that showed their excitement.
Read the full article by Avina Vidyadharan on the Waikato Times
Christine Wallace Wearing The Matilda Dress
Joanne Funk Wearing The Mad Hatty Dress
Trewyn Shewan Wearing the Pleat Me Dress
