Designer uniforms for retirement home staff

Sue Sloane shows off the new receptionists' uniform on the catwalk at Jane Winstone retirement village. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

The atrium at Jane Winstone retirement village became a catwalk on Tuesday afternoon as the new staff uniforms were revealed.

Staff from the retirement village acted as models for the new uniforms, with the residents making an enthusiastic audience.

Margot Boock from Ryman, the company that owns Jane Winstone, said the fashion parade was to familiarise the residents with the new uniforms.

New Zealand designer Annah Stretton designed the uniforms, which are based on a peony flower motif.

"Different roles in the organisation have different uniforms," Ms Boock said.

"Each uniform has been individually made to fit the individual. Arrow Uniforms in Wellington made more than 8000 uniforms for all our staff, and they've done a great job."

The fashion show took place at 28 Ryman villages throughout New Zealand.

"We've had the same uniforms for the past 20 years, so we're excited by the change," Ms Boock said.