Hoopers played host to a fashion show with a difference this weekend with members of the Wilmslow and Handforth Weight Watchers groups modelling the clothes.
Instead of using their own models to show off the James Lakeland autumn collection, Pat Copp-Barton decided to use real women with no professional experience.
Pat, who manages the James Lakeland concession within Hoopers, told me "Every season each department and concession, within Hoopers, put on fashion shows to present their new collections. Hoopers provide the 5'11 size 10 models and each show runs exactly the same, to the same customers.
"At the end of the James Lakeland show in April, many of the customers commented on how unrealistic the models were, and this got me to thinking that we should try something new this season. The James Lakeland label is for the individual lady, who is confident, fun, elegant and flirty, in sizes 8-20. I wanted "real" women to model our clothes to show that James Lakeland is designed to flatter every shape, size and age. Where better to get a good selection of ladies, than weight watchers!?"
The ten women who took to the catwalk were aged from 24 to 64, of different heights and shapes, and between them they had lost a staggering 26 stones.
Model Svetlana Poplova said "I have always wanted to do a fashion show so I have fulfilled a dream. I loved every second and it gave me a wonderful confidence boost."
Joyce Liddiard added "It was an absolutely fantastic experience, I did it to represent Weight Watchers and to celebrate my weight loss. It made me feel like a new woman wearing fabulous clothes and having a cosmetic make over. The other plus was that I met members from the different Weight Watcher groups and new friends for life. I loved every moment."
Pat added "The show was a resounding success! Not only did the Weight Watchers ladies look amazing, and put any professional model in the shade, but the store was buzzing with new customers. I have asked all the ladies to keep a date in their diary for next season!"
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