Longmont seniors model styles at spring fashion show

With summer just around the corner, six senior models showed the Longmont community some spectacular outfits for the season during a fashion show on Friday.

Held at the Longmont Senior Center, the show was open to the public and featured older models wearing colorful dresses, blouses and accessories. Everything worn by the women, except for their shoes, came from downtown Longmont business Ivy Rose boutique.

“We wanted to give some recognition to local businesses,” explained Valerie Rodriguez, recreation coordinator with the Senior Center.

Rodriguez said the fashion show was meant to give the women a chance to step out of their comfort zones — and inspire audience members to find confidence in their own appearances, too.

“Tall, short…everybody’s different,” Rodriguez said of the models. “When people watch them walk, they can (say), ‘Hey, that might be a nice blouse on me.’”

A few weeks ago, the women met with Ivy Rose owner Kathy Deakin to get outfitted for the show. With Deakin’s help, each participant received two outfits to model: one for the theme “in full bloom,” the other for the theme “sweet summer nights.”

“It’s been such a pleasure to work with all of these ladies,” Deakin said. “A couple of the women, when they came in, said, ‘I don’t think you’re going to have anything for me.’ And that is what we love to do, is to show that we have something for every woman.”

Ivy Rose has put on fashion shows at other venues in Longmont before, but a senior show particularly appealed to Deakin. She said it aligns with the boutique’s commitment to providing trendy clothing for women of all ages.

“Everything that they’re wearing is so ‘them,’” Deakin said.

Friday afternoon’s free fashion show brought over 100 guests to the gym of the Senior Center. The women walked onstage to applause from the crowd, while Deakin read short biographies for each woman and explained how she styled them.

The spring fashion worn by the models included a periwinkle dress, a pink blouse, and several sun hats. The summer collection featured outfits meant for warm nights outside, from flowery jumpsuits to flared jeans.

Model Billie Best, who will be 70 this summer, wore an elegant black dress as her spring outfit.

“It wasn’t even on my bucket list, but I guess it was in the stars,” Best said of the fashion show. “I’m being a part of the community, and encouraging older women to look and be their best.”

After the show, the women gathered in the reception area of the Senior Center to let guests appreciate their outfits up close. Deakin also offered Ivy Rose coupons to anyone who stopped by.

Participant Rose Jahnke, 85, said modeling gives her self-satisfaction and joy.

“I volunteered right away,” Jahnke said. “I think it’s great.”