Adult nappies make catwalk debut in Tokyo!

Melbourne, Sept 28 : In response to having one of the world's most rapidly ageing populations, Japan has staged a fashion show for adult nappies.

The Tokyo fashion show introduced a collection of 170 adult nappies and smaller pads, with male and female models walking and striking a pose to the tunes of 1980s British and American pop and rock music.

Wearing white nappies over their black stockings, the models displayed the designer's intention of keeping the elderly clean and dry. The moderator introduced the first design, "Relief" - a "thin, lively type of underpant that can be pulled up easily".

"Shaped to fit elderly people's bodies and made of soft material that feels like putting on real underwear. Also uses anti-germ, deodorant sheets,'' News.com.au quoted her, as saying.

"Number two - a 'Profit' slim-crotch with gathers that fit the buttocks to prevent leakage,'' she added.

The audience of several hundred people flipped through the Diaper Catalogue 2008 that lists all products in the show for more detailed information.

The event, a new concept, was organised by Mutsukian, a private-sector group that offers information on tending to elderly people's personal needs, with the support of 70 volunteers as well as nappy-makers.

Kiyoko Hamada, 58, who heads Mutsukian, said she "wanted people to take a look at diapers in a cheerful manner".

"They are necessary products and you don't need to feel ashamed,'' she said.

ANI