Photo shoots and fashion parades

Aged care residents are showing off their individuality and style as part of celebrations for Sydney Fashion Week.

Jan Williams with husband David who visits her at the Lake Haven Masonic Village

Aged care residents are showing off their individuality and style as part of celebrations for Sydney Fashion Week, which is underway now.

Several residents from Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution Villages took part in a series of photo shoots as a recreation of fashion events for Sydney Fashion Week, which began last Sunday and ends today.

Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution Villages CEO Frank Price said the photoshoots were staged to allow residents to attend their own version of the annual fashion event.

“We thought as our residents can’t attend Sydney Fashion Week why not bring it to them.

“Some of our other Villages across NSW will be staging fashion parades and fashion shoots, working with local vintage and recycled clothing stores such as Vinnies and The Salvation Army to source both clothing and accessories to add to the occasion,” Mr Price said.

Mr Price said residents at its Lake Haven Masonic Village participated by wearing their favourite pieces of clothing.

“We engaged a professional stylist who brought in additional accessories and hats to add some finishing touches to the outfits.

“Along with hair and make-up we chose specific locations around the Village that really brought the photos to life. One of our residents who took part said she has never felt so beautiful in her life,” Mr Price said.

“These fashion transformations allowed our residents to have a lot of fun and express themselves in a positive and unique way,” he said.

At its Tamworth facility, the fashion shoot and parade will also include a special pet fashion parade with three dogs and a baby goat dressed up.

The Bathurst village will be collaborating with Diversity, a local clothing business that celebrate individuality and style at any age.

The photoshoots were inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s attendance at London Fashion Week in February this year.

“As the Queen clearly shows, regardless of how old you are you can always have an individual fashion style,” Mr Price said.