Grey Power November 2015

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NATIONAL GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » NOVEMBER 2015
SUPERMODELS STORM RUNWAY
Ryman’s supermodels have
lit up the Fashion Week
runway modelling Annah
Stretton’s new designs.
The models came from all
over New Zealand and
included nurses, caregivers,
administration, maintenance and
housekeeping staff.
They were there to show off
Annah’s stunning new uniforms
which have been designed specifically
for New Zealand’s biggest retirement
village operator’s 4,000 staff.
The design brief for Annah
Stretton and her team was simple –
the new uniforms had to be
comfortable, practical and beautiful.
“We wanted garments that
brought a smile to the faces of
residents, increased the level of pride
in what staff wear and emphasized
the vital role they play in residents’
lives,’’ Annah says.
“We put a lot of thought into
the design of our villages and
we wanted to do the same for
our uniforms.’’
The uniforms are made of lighter
materials for staff working in kitchens
and laundries and a popular change
was to introduce three-quarter length
trousers for caregivers and
housekeepers instead of dresses.
Managing director Simon Challies
said Annah’s designs were a radical
departure for Ryman, which is
exactly what staff were after.
“We put a lot of thought into the
design of our villages and we wanted
to do the same for our uniforms.’’
“We love the designs that Annah’s
come up with. The reaction from
staff has been tremendous and we
think they’re bound to put a smile on
the faces of our residents.’’
Annah’s team worked closely with
Ryman staff to develop the uniforms
and produced prototypes before
honing the designs further. The
uniforms have been supplied by
Lower Hutt-based Arrow Uniforms.