Regis Eco Fashion Week Australia fostered creativity, intergenerational connections, and challenged ageing stereotypes through public showcases and recognition. It won the Community Engagement category in the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025…To view all of the results…
In 2024, eight Regis Aged Care Homes across Western Australia participated as official designers in Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA), a globally recognised celebration of sustainable fashion and artistic innovation. Guided by EFWA founder Dr Zuhal Kuvan-Mills and supported by staff, families, and volunteers, approximately 100 residents collaborated over 10 months to design and produce 13 floral-inspired garments using recycled and repurposed materials.
This initiative extended far beyond a creative activity. It became a powerful demonstration of purpose, identity, and capability in later life, placing residents at the centre of a large-scale, public-facing project that challenged perceptions of ageing.
Why it came about
Traditional lifestyle programs in aged care often struggle to fully engage residents in meaningful, purpose-driven activities that reflect their skills, identities, and lived experiences. Regis identified an opportunity to move beyond conventional programming by introducing a creative, collaborative initiative that would:
- Promote sustainability
- Reignite lifelong skills and passions
- Foster community and intergenerational connection
- Challenge age-related stereotypes
“Fabulous, unique!”
2025 Future of Ageing Awards judge
The solution
Following a direct invitation from EFWA, Regis’ National Lifestyle & Engagement Specialist Team developed a structured program to embed sustainable fashion design into the lifestyle calendar across eight Western Australian homes.
Many residents brought decades of experience in sewing, textiles, and dressmaking. For them, upcycling was not a new concept; it was a lifelong practice. The program provided a platform to reconnect with these skills and reimagine them in a contemporary, globally recognised context.
Residents led the creative direction of the project, contributing not only to fashion design and construction but also to storytelling, music selection, and runway styling.
Rolling it out
The project was delivered in six key stages:
- Opportunity Recognition: Regis identified the alignment between EFWA and its commitment to meaningful engagement, securing executive approval through a formal business case.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Eight homes formed local design groups, embedding the initiative into their lifestyle programs and ensuring broad participation.
- Workshop Facilitation: Residents participated in hands-on workshops led in collaboration with EFWA, focusing on upcycling techniques and sustainable design.
- Project Planning: A detailed 10-month timeline with clear milestones ensured consistent progress and engagement across all sites.
- Event Coordination: Residents showcased their work at multiple events, including a world-record attempt at Busselton Jetty and a final exhibition at Ellenbrook Art Gallery.
- Celebration and Reflection: The project culminated in a major public showcase attended by residents, families, and community members.
Who was involved
The initiative was led by Regis’ National Lifestyle & Engagement Specialist Team, working closely with local teams across eight Western Australian homes.
Residents played a central role as designers and creators, many drawing on past careers or personal passions in textiles and garment-making. Resident-led design committees were established, supported by workshops and mentorship from EFWA.
Families, volunteers, and younger community members contributed to the project, including modelling garments during runway events strengthened intergenerational connections.
Outcomes
Residents rediscovered purpose and identity through creative expression. Many described the experience as deeply fulfilling, with one participant noting it brought “happiness, a sense of purpose, and wonderful connections.”
The program fostered strong intergenerational bonds, with young models collaborating closely with residents. These interactions encouraged storytelling, mutual respect, and shared joy.
Residents showcased their designs at high-profile events, including a world record attempt for the longest sustainable fashion runway over water at Busselton Jetty, featuring in the video below.
Celebration of achievement
The final exhibition at Ellenbrook Art Gallery brought together more than 70 residents, families, and community members, celebrating the collective achievements of the participants.
One standout garment, created by residents from Regis Como, was selected for an international showcase in Florence, Italy.
Beyond the garments, the initiative generated renewed confidence, energy, and connection among residents. As one participant shared, “It brought joy and connection,” reflecting the broader impact on wellbeing and community.
Evidence of success
The Eco Fashion Week initiative demonstrates how aged care can move beyond traditional models to deliver deeply meaningful, resident-led experiences. By combining creativity, sustainability, and community engagement, Regis empowered residents to lead, create, and inspire—redefining what is possible in aged care and challenging long-held assumptions about ageing.
