Pacific Lakes News
Residents Take to the Runway for Charity Fashion Show
Age is no barrier to a good runway “strut”, and residents at Pacific Lakes Village recently proved just that as they stepped onto the catwalk for a special charity fashion show.
After 10 weeks of training, 12 ladies and three gents from Pacific Lakes Village perfected their walk, twirl and pose before showcasing outfits from Mount Maunganui boutiques to a crowd of more than 160 guests. Held in The Pavilion — the village’s impressive event space — the show raised funds for the Cancer Society and brought together residents, local businesses and the wider community for a memorable afternoon.
For resident Mike Rudd, the experience was well outside his comfort zone. A former fighter pilot, he says he rarely gets nervous — but modelling has now made the list. “I’ll tell you what, I thought that dentists and women were my two scary things, but now I’m adding being a model,” he joked.
Despite the nerves, Rudd said the experience was both challenging and rewarding. “Interestingly, it’s been quite challenging, actually, surprisingly challenging. It looks easy, but it’s not so easy,” he said. Over the training period, the resident models learned the basics of walking the runway, striking a pose and coordinating backstage changes.
“There’s also the logistics of who comes in where, what goes on backstage and all that — there’s a little bit more to it than meets the eye.”
For Rudd, the most valuable part of the experience was gaining greater self-awareness and pushing himself to try something new. “I think it’s good to push yourself outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself, particularly in later years.”
Village resident Julie Washer said she joined the fashion show as a way to give back to the community. “I just felt it’d be a lovely way to present something and be part of a team, and the team has been marvellous,” she said.
Training for the show was thorough, with residents learning how to walk the runway, turn, and change outfits in time with the music.
“You think you’ve got a lot of time when you get off the catwalk, but you haven’t — you must actually have assistance with dresses and everything,” Washer said.
She said the experience gave her a boost of confidence and encouraged others to try something new. “Really it’s given me confidence in myself if anything, and once you learn how to do it, you get up there and strut your stuff — it’s just fun.”
The residents modelled clothing from a range of Mount Maunganui boutiques including Black Pepper, Hilary Pointon Fashion, Status Clothing, Bettie Monroe, Magazine Designer Clothing and Robertson’s Menswear.
The show was organised by Jill Cotter, who has experience putting together fashion shows internationally, including in London. She said the residents trained for 10 weeks leading up to the event.
“They’ve been wonderful, and you’d be amazed at how good they are. They’ve just got on with it and improved week by week,” she said.
Cotter hopes the event sends a positive message about ageing and confidence. “Whatever age you are, you can do it,” she said.
Share this article via:
Facebook
