Designer Eliza Yeung
Just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your style. Designers including Eliza Yeung (right) recently created a jazzy wardrobe for OAPs, and got elderly models, including 72-year-old Lui Tsui-ping (middle), to show off the collection. They tell Yannie Chan why old is in.
HK Magazine: What’s the goal of this fashion show?
Eliza Yeung: A group of young designers, including myself, are joining forces to redefine fashion for the elderly. Most of the clothes on the market for the elderly actually age them. The straight cuts make the wearer look shapeless. But they were young before and have partied like we all do! Their clothes should reflect their beauty.
Lui Tsui-ping: I jumped on board with this project because I think most clothes for the elderly are depressing. Society is already upsetting—I want to dress in a happier style.
HK: Why are current designs so boring?
LT: People think the elderly shouldn’t dress up and look nice. When we wear colors, people say it’s not proper. When we wear black, people think it’s depressing. Life is sad: we can’t be even sadder in the way we dress.
EY: Take my mother. Sometimes I try to gift some of my designs to her. But she doesn’t want them at all. My mother will buy ten copies of her favorite top.
HK: What should elderly fashion be like?
EY: Some might think comfort comes first. But surprisingly, when I sat down with the senior citizens in my team, they told me looking good is more important. Elderly fashion should be elegant and yet quirky and loud. I made them princess-like dressing gowns, complete with silky materials and over-the-top accessories.
LT: I believe in colors. I walk out of the door in bright colors every day. Dressing up colorfully makes others feel respected. It makes people around me happier as well.
HK: How did you feel in these designs?
LT: I felt happier and younger. I love the fit and the accessories. I feel like I’m ready to party in this outfit. My favorite is the masquerade masks. I love the suspense it brings. You see us walking down the runway, and you’d think those women in the colorful and fitting gowns are younger women. People will be pleasantly surprised to find out we’re senior citizens.
HK: What are the design challenges?
EY: It’s very important to adjust your designs to their figures. There’s no denying that as we get old, our body shape changes. I chose to make long dresses because they elongate the body. I also keep the dresses fitted as most senior citizens have a slightly rounder body shape. Visually, layers or a looser fit add weight.
HK: Were you worried about using elderly models at first?
EY: I was worried that they would be picky or hard to dress. Older people have more problems with their bodies, such as scars from operations. If I designed clothes with a deep neckline, I might have unwittingly exposed their insecurities.
HK: How do you feel on stage?
LT: Very excited. But also very nervous that I won’t do well. I was so nervous, I watched a modeling reality TV show last Sunday. It inspired me to be more casual with my walk.
HK: Is modeling difficult?
LT: Not really, apart from the fact that I have to try to eat less. I love to eat. Whenever I go to yum cha with my friends, I try to gulp down as much as I can. But these past months I’ve been controlling myself. Eliza told me not to gain weight.
EY: A model is a model, and it comes with a certain degree of professionalism. I only asked Lui to keep her weight at the same level. My designs are quite fitting, and they’ll look the prettiest when the fit’s perfect!
See photos from the catwalk at facebook.com/fashionfarmfoundation. See Eliza’s designs at www.liz.hk.
