This was the theme used by Gloria Hall, activity director at Manitoulin Lodge, when trying to convince a 90-year-old resident last September to walk the runway in the home’s first ever fashion show. Her closing, and eventually clinching, argument was “well, you’re never too old to become a fashion model.”

This was enough to convince Ed Kummer, then 90, to hit the runway and model clothes by Toronto-based Silverts, who specialize in making fashionable but comfortable clothes for seniors and people with physical disabilities.

Lamenting typical long term care clothing as too institutional in style and drab in colour, Hall originally invited Silverts to showcase their wares two times a year, providing a unique in-house window shopping opportunity for residents. Holding a fashion show seemed the most natural progression of this idea.

“It’s important to have a show where residents and family members can come and see what the clothes look like while being worn. And their clothes are very nice to look at.” (www.silverts.com)

The home recently celebrated its second, and now annual, fashion show, with Ed Kummer, star of the runway, making a return appearance. More than 40 residents, staff and family members attended. Both residents and staff donned the year’s new line, including members of the home’s nursing department.

Ed modeled both a housecoat and a polo shirt/dress pants ensemble.

“It makes residents themselves feel good,” says Hall, “and families proud that their loved ones are taking part.”

Many of the clothes are designed to disguise their functional uses, says Hall, and feature bright, attractive colours and designs.

“It improves self-esteem, people feel good when they look good,” says Hall. “It also widens variety, and gives residents more options.”

“Anything that makes them feel good, and increases dignity and self-esteem is important.”

In a small home in a remote area, having a client like Silverts travel to showcase their clothing lines is a feature that generates a considerable amount of excitement.

“There are not a lot of shopping opportunities here,” says Hall.