[Life Act 3 Companies] Senior Fashionista in High Heels 'New Senior Life'

Senior Model Training Company 'New Senior Life'
210 Overseas Performances
"Seniors Can Confidently Express Themselves on Stage"
"Hoping to Be Loved Even as We Age"

Representative of Guhaju New Senior Life. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 14th, before even opening the door of 'New Senior Life,' located in the basement level 1 of a building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, lively music first greeted the ears. Upon entering, the hall was filled with the sound of carols, and elderly people with graying hair were strutting confidently down the runway. Though their faces bore the marks of time, their expressions were full of smiles. The women wore high-heeled shoes and dressed stylishly, while some elderly gentlemen appeared neat in their fedoras. In the spacious area, dresses in vibrant colors such as blue and orange were hung, and a runway and audience seats were arranged on one side.

Established in 2007, New Senior Life is a social enterprise that educates and trains senior models. Representative Gu Haju (76) said, "There is a stereotype that the elderly are 'isolated and need help,' but seniors can also express themselves beautifully and confidently on stage." Over 3,000 senior students have passed through here over 15 years. To prove this, photos of senior models strutting on the runway were hung all over the walls.

Representative Gu worked as a fashion designer for about 35 years. She opened a clothing store named after herself in Myeongdong and was a well-known designer by word of mouth, but in her mid-50s, she suffered from severe depression. She revealed, "Many customers were saddened by changes in their body shapes as they aged. Since the expressions of customers buying clothes were not bright, I felt a sense of doubt about my work as a designer."

After quitting her designer work and falling into self-doubt, a friend suggested studying the silver industry, and Gu readily accepted. At the time, the silver industry itself was an unfamiliar field, but she felt hopeful that she could immerse herself in something. Finding interest while studying elderly psychology and other subjects, Gu served as the inaugural chairperson of the 'Silver Industry Experts Forum' in the early 2000s and worked to promote the silver industry.

Then, in 2006, a proposal came to hold a fashion show performance at the World Silver Expo. Gu held auditions to select senior models, and about 300 applicants competed for 30 spots. She recalled, "The expressions of those participating in the audition were so earnest that I even cried during the judging. Even as they age, they have not given up on their childhood dreams." Fortunately, the fashion show was successfully completed. This event motivated Gu to establish New Senior Life to create a beautiful old age for seniors.

Since it is a place that trains senior models, the main customer base is people in their 60s and 70s. Here, people in their 50s are considered young, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, even seniors in their 90s took lessons. Gu said, "The longest-attending student started at 58 and has been taking classes for 12 years, now aged 70. With long attendance comes experience, and on fashion show days, they even do their own makeup, showing a professional side."

Senior students must complete a three-month basic course to appear in the fashion show. During this time, they receive intensive walking lessons. After completing the basic course, they appear on the stage of their first fashion show, the 'Graduation Fashion Show.' Usually, 10 to 12 fashion shows are held annually, with about 5 to 6 invited by local governments. The rest are events organized independently, including the 'Graduation Fashion Show.'

Until a few years ago, it was common to be invited overseas for fashion shows, but opportunities have decreased since COVID-19. Gu said, "In 2013, for the 130th anniversary of Korea-Germany diplomatic relations, we were invited by the Frankfurt Consulate General and toured four cities in Germany, including Berlin. Besides that, we performed 210 overseas shows in countries such as the Netherlands and China."

The outfits worn in the fashion shows are all creations from Gu's hands. She said, "After depression, I didn't want to work as a designer, but realizing there were no clothes for seniors, I started making them. Usually, 30 models stand in a fashion show, so we need between 100 and 150 outfits."

Audience reactions to the senior fashion shows are also positive. Gu said, "Most reactions are of surprise. People usually see only old and sick seniors, so seeing elderly people walking gracefully in stylish and beautiful clothes is unfamiliar." She added, "I hope the senior generation can become beings who are respected and loved even as they age."

Representative of Guhaju New Senior Life. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Below is a Q&A session.

- What is the charm of the fashion show?

▲ In my early 40s, I had the opportunity to appear in a fashion show at a friend's request. Since the stage was large, I thought I would be scared, but once I stood on the runway, I was filled with joy. I realized that the stage is a space where I can express another self inside me. I think others feel the same way.

- What differences exist between the silver industry in advanced countries and in Korea?

▲ In countries where the silver industry is developed, elderly facilities are located in major downtown areas with good transportation. But in Korea, that's not the case. People devote more than half their lives to their families, but when they get older, they have nowhere to go. This inevitably leads to physical decline. Therefore, I thought seniors need activities with goals. Of course, welfare centers teach singing or dancing, but it's hard to leave any tangible results. A life with goals keeps seniors healthy.

- Many people must be nervous at fashion shows.

▲ Many are nervous. To reduce tension, we rehearse often. Also, many seniors walk with a pigeon-toed gait. So initially, we drew foot shapes on the floor and had seniors follow them step by step.

- Many people find it harder to take on challenges as they age.

▲ From the second act of life, ages 40 to 60, it's good to take on challenges. But entering the third act, I tend to advise against trying new things. Judgment becomes clouded, and trying many things consumes a lot of energy. After 60, one should focus on one meaningful activity from past experiences. Focusing on one goal is necessary to achieve it.

- What does fashion mean to you?

▲ I think clothes are a second skin. Since it's skin, it shouldn't be dirty and always requires care. Dressing well makes seniors happy and gives observers hope that "even when old, one can be stylish." Therefore, a lot of time and financial resources should be invested in fashion. Fashion is like a visible tonic. Also, clothes should fit the situation. Price isn't important; one should wear clothes that are comfortable and satisfying. Since clothes represent my outward appearance, fashion is life.

Representative of Guhaju New Senior Life. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.