A group of Nelson Mandela Bay women who modelled together decades ago reunited on Saturday to show that they still have what it takes to turn heads on the runway.
The women took to the runway at a high tea and fashion show at Kiplings Brasserie at the Boardwalk Hotel.
The event came about two months ago when friends and former models Michelle Brown, 65, and Averil Packirisamy, 59, met over a cup of coffee and reminisced about the old days.
“Averil mentioned she had all these mature, experienced models who had not been on the runway for a long time and that it was time to celebrate their age, changing bodies and being older,” Brown said.
She said Packirisamy had suggested they put together a fashion show.
Some of the women, aged between 42 and 68, started modelling when they were just six years old.
They have done various shows in Nelson Mandela Bay over the years.
The guests, dressed in white and bright spring colours, filled Kiplings Brasserie and enjoyed tea and eats.
The models showcased Trenery and Country Road clothing sponsored by Woolworths.
Premiere Models and Moms on The Runway founder Packirisamy and Brown, of Brown’s PR, also strutted their stuff on the ramp.
Some of the other models were Pilates instructor Lauren Rushmere, 54, Springbok women’s rugby team manager and Supersport rugby analyst Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe, 44, Nelson Mandela University associate professional and lecturer Dr Carmel Mahomed, 68, and University of the Free State assistant director and head of alumni relations and business development Carmenita Redcliffe-Paul, 38.
The women were joined by two men — Gqeberha fashion designer Braemore Lundall-Sauls, 45 and Eastern Cape FNB regional manager Sandile Phillip, 39.
Tsotsobe said she was excited to walk on the ramp when the opportunity arose.
“The fact that we’re celebrating women is exciting enough for me.
“I was a size 32 in 2002 when I used to model. Now I’m a size 36-38, but Michelle still has this confidence in us and because I know this crew of beautiful ladies, I knew it would be fun,” Tsotsobe said.
Redcliffe-Paul drove all the way from the Free State to walk the ramp.
She started modelling when she was six years old and continued when she was in high school.
“We used to do the Greenacres shows, summer and winter shows and we ended up forming a little modelling family.
“The event was like a reunion for us.
“What’s really important is that we’ve seen each other through many stages of life, so being together again in this way is empowering.
“This is about representing real women because we’re not necessarily the skinniest or tallest.
“We celebrate our individuality and femininity,” she said.
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