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24 Sep 2021
THE 89TH NATIONAL PHARMACIES CHRISTMAS PAGEANT ROYAL FAMILY REVEALED Renowned designer, Jaimie Sortino given honour to dress this years Queen and Princesses
There’s a new Queen and King in town with National Pharmacies announcing its Christmas Pageant Royal Family for the 89th National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant which will be held on 13 November at Adelaide Oval.
With a record number of entries received this year all vying for a position in the Royal Family, the title of Queen was awarded to Nina Bretag, David Abboodi as King, Lauren Justice and Kami Watson as the Queens Princesses and Caleb Watson Brad Price as the Kings Princes.
This year, in a major coup for the Royal Float, the Royal Family will be styled by renowned local fashion designer Jaimie Sortino who is known for his award winning, elegant and magical style.
Queen Nina, who is celebrating 20 years at National Pharmacies in 2021, is ready for royal duty and says the Christmas Pageant is a celebration of the magic and joy of the Christmas season.
“I’m celebrating 20 years of employment with National Pharmacies, so what better way to bring in this milestone than to be a part of the biggest celebration of the year.
“I never would have imagined that the company that I worked for as an adult would give me the opportunity to be involved in such an iconic event,” she said.
Being appointed a Princess was a dream growing up for National Pharmacies Online Store Coordinator, Lauren Justice, and for Christies Beach Pharmacy Assistant, Kami Watson it’s a family affair as her mother Sharon Watson was the 2019 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Queen.
National Pharmacies Seaford Pharmacist in Charge, David Abboodi, knows all too well what’s involved in being part of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and is thrilled to step up and take the honour of King this year.
“I was lucky enough to make my Pageant debut in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant as a chef on the bakery float. It was an amazing experience that I will forever cherish, and I feel honoured to step up into the role of National Pharmacies Pageant King to share the Christmas spirit again this year,” he said.
National Pharmacies CEO, Vito Borrello was humbled once again this year by the many expressions of interest to be part of the Royal Family, stating it was a true testament of the community spirit within the business.
“The Royal Family play a very special role within the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, it’s fantastic to have our team embrace this time-honoured tradition so well. The successful candidates displayed strong community spirit and passion for the Pageant, and to see their reactions and pure excitement was priceless,” Mr Borrello said.
With an impressive portfolio spanning across 12 years, appointed designer for the Queens and Princesses gowns, Jaimie Sortino’s unique flair, design expertise and incredible talent has seen him creating spectacular gowns for Julie Bishop as part of Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation ‘Frocktober’, as well as dressing and fitting an array of A-list Australian celebrities including Dannii Minogue and Delta Goodrem.
With deep connections to his home state of South Australia, Adelaide-based Sortino is thrilled to have been hand-picked to design this year’s highly anticipated Royal Families gowns for the Queen and Princesses.
“The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has always evoked an element of fantasy. Growing up and attending as a kid, I remember that feeling of magic. The sense of community around the Pageant is also special.
“It is an honour to work on this iconic South Australian event and I am excited to bring the magic of the Royal Float to life through fashion design,” said Jaimie.
Mr Borrello said showcasing and supporting local design on the Royal Float is something the business is proud of.
“It is so special to have someone as talented as Jaimie designing the gowns for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. Not only are we celebrating the historic South Australian tradition of the Royal Family, but we get to showcase a local designer at the same time.”
The newly designed dresses for the Princesses will bring an element of fantasy and magic said Jaimie.
“What I love most about fashion and design is that it can allow you to step into a fantasy world to create some magic through creativity and vision. I hope my designs bring to life some very special Christmas magic and cheer to inspire people of all ages to celebrate and watch the wonder and joy that the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant brings to South Australia,” he concluded.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Director, Brian Gilbertson said Jaimie’s vision for the costume design will exceed all expectations.
“Jaimie knows all about the ‘wow’ factor when it comes to design. His history in working with A-list names stands him in good stead to develop unique pieces and thrill our Pageant audience.”
The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant planning is well under way, with the event taking place on Saturday, 13th November at the Adelaide Oval and will remain a free event, with ticketing allocation conducted via a ballot system through Ticketek.
