Open Mic

Rather than a preview of next season’s fashions, The Village of Gleannloch Farms is holding a live “vintage” fashion show featuring stylish wear from earlier times—dating from the Civil War to the 1970s.  Much of the clothing—including some military dress uniforms—is provided by the residents at the 62+ community and will be modeled by young volunteers who will walk the runway to the music from each era. The program begins at 2PM on Saturday, January 29, and the public is invited free of charge.

“I am continually amazed at how creative and resourceful our residents are,” said Kathy Johanns, executive director of The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “They approached our lifestyles director with the idea of a vintage fashion show using their own special dresses, uniforms and even personal jewelry. Each of the items has a special story behind it that our residents will share. It’s going to be both entertaining and informative.”

The vintage fashion program is under the direction of resident Beckie Marley, who got the idea from her daughter.  Marley says the show will include some real treasures, such as a dress from 1865. There will be fashions from each era, including wedding dresses, high fashion formals, cocktail dresses, hats, outdoor wear and more. All clothing will be modeled by volunteers—mainly young community staff members—except for a wedding dress that will be worn by its original owner, a senior resident.

“Having live models wearing these vintage fashions will really make it all seem like living history,” said Marley. “We will share fascinating anecdotes centering on some of the items that their original owners shared with us. And, where else besides the movies can you see young men wearing WWII-era dress military uniforms.”

Marley has worked on the program for more than five months to bring together an extraordinary assortment of vintage items. Many of the items were sent in from family members who had stored items not unpacked for fifty years or more.  The program will include a jewelry display of costume jewelry owned by the grandmothers of some residents now in their nineties.

“Beckie Marley is a great example of the kind of active and adventurous residents we can call on for great ideas,” said Mimi Collins, lifestyles director of The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “She has been interested in clothing and textiles all of her life and has travelled to London and China to learn about them. What a tremendous resource!”

Sponsored and owned by Lutheran Social Services of the South, The Village at Gleannloch Farms is a not-for-profit community offering 123 independent living apartments and cottages for active adults aged 62 and above. In addition, the community offers a continuum of health care including 30 assisted living apartments, 18 memory support residences, and 35 private skilled nursing suites.

Traditionally, some older master-planned developments have offered housing options such as patio homes or assisted living facilities to extend their multi-generational appeal. However, the latest trend is to take the concept a step further and include a community that offers a full continuum of care – an option that, until now, was non-existent in Houston.

Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, the community is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.

The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.

In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.

For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.