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Grannies on the runway: Retirees challenge age norms with stunning fashion debut at Vienna Fashion Week 2024

Published on: Sep 12, 2024, 19:52:45 IST
Retirees debut self-made collection at Vienna Fashion Week, challenging age stereotypes. (AFP)
Retirees debut self-made collection at Vienna Fashion Week, challenging age stereotypes. (AFP)
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Vienna Fashion Week features retirees in a show that promotes social inclusion and counters age discrimination.

Style is ageless, say a group of retirees who have just debuted their self-made collection at the Vienna Fashion Week. "It's time to really ditch (the idea) that grannies and grandpas sit around doing nothing," 63-year-old Brigitte Hrdlicka told AFP ahead of this week's show. Hunched over her Singer sewing machine to make some last-minute adjustments, the retired hospital administrator said she was excited about seeing pieces that she had carefully crafted from second-hand materials showcased. (Also read: From exposed underwear to Nipple baring outfits: Most bizarre fashion trends from New York Fashion Week 2024 )

Retirees Dazzle at Vienna Fashion Week

Members of a group of retired people present their own line of upcycled clothes the Vienna Fashion week.

More than a year ago, she joined a sewing club for the city's pensioners run by Irina Reichel, who was determined to break into the notoriously closed world of fashion this year. "Having these ten ladies take to the catwalk means taking a stand against age discrimination, but in favour of social inclusion," said Reichel, pointing to her "sparkling" proteges donning an elegant evening gown and even a wedding dress.

Members of a group of retired people present their own line of upcycled clothes the Vienna Fashion week at the Museum Quartier in Vienna.

"I believe that the fashion industry is coming on board and getting involved," she added. In the audience, Verena Heger said she saw herself in these models strutting down the catwalk, saying they were just "as beautiful" as the others because they were "radiating from within". "Modernity is ageless," said Heger, who retired two years ago, before a septuagenarian sporting a transparent blouse and a black bra walked past to thunderous applause.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri

Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.

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Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
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