Hermitage, TN – A fashion phenomenon with roots tracing back to spring 2019 has blossomed into a uniquely stylish tradition within the senior living community. The annual fashion show hosted by Kempton of Hermitage has metamorphosed its residents into veritable supermodels, transcending conventional expectations for senior living activities. This year’s event, held at the esteemed Chico’s boutique in Mt. Juliet, TN, showcased not only a diverse array of ensembles but also provided the residents a coveted opportunity to grace the runway.
The transformative power of clothing was not lost on the residents, as they donned various items from Chico’s collection. Embracing a collection that resonated with their distinct tastes, these residents experienced a profound boost in their confidence. Rachel Thomas, the Activities Director at Kempton of Hermitage, shared her insights, stating, “[The clothes] give them a sense of confidence. When you have dressier clothes, you tend to feel better about the way you look. Then, having the attention on you when you walk out in front of your friends and family when you are walking down the runway? It gives them not just a sense of confidence but a little bit of ownership.”
Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Hermitage, TN, Kempton of Hermitage stands as an assisted living and memory care community. Emerging from a hiatus necessitated by the challenges of COVID-19 during 2020-2021, the fashion show reclaimed its triumphant spotlight in 2022 and continued its legacy of success into the 2023 edition. The show featured seven resident models, each effortlessly transitioning between two distinct outfits generously lent by Chico’s for this occasion. An intriguing facet of the event lies in its post-show aftermath; Chico’s extends an exclusive opportunity for residents to acquire the showcased outfits at a discounted rate.
For such an event to unfold, an essential element emerges—none other than the runway itself. A modified dining room ingeniously assumes the role of this transformative stage. Rachel Thomas elaborated, “They have a main walkway. We provide the music, and we have a whole dressing area that’s covered with paper on the windows so that nobody can see in. [Models] get to eat early for lunch. They get to have their hair done by our beautician, and so then they walk out first.”
The heartwarming festivities resonated with a captivated audience, composed of approximately 57 family members and dedicated staff members. The resounding success of this year’s showcase has sparked contemplation for a potential encore in the fall. As the event unfolded in all its splendor, it was evident that the runway had unleashed the vibrant personalities residing within. Rachel Thomas shared a touching anecdote, highlighting the spirited engagement of one resident: “We have one resident [who] loves everything sparkly, and she’s very much extroverted and kind of showy. She had a hoot going down the center of the dining room, waving and blowing kisses. They can really get into it. They just have so much fun with it.”
