Fashion is not limited to dazzling catwalk displays and flashing cameras. Behind the glamor there are countless careers and opportunities that make up the fashion industry, in addition to those for neurodivergent and disabled people.
From large garment operations to small ateliers, these opportunities are becoming more inclusive, allowing everyone to express their creativity and talent. Currently, there appears to be an ongoing revolution in the fashion industry, driven by initiatives like the Runway of Dreams Foundation and the experiences of neurodivergent individuals in fashion.
Autistic individuals are finding their place in the fashion industry in roles ranging from models to designers. Fashion is an expressive form of creativity that resonates with both neurodiverse and neurotypical people.
Clothing is an expressive form of creativity for neurodivergent and neurotypical people. For some, because the feel of garments versus skin can create demanding situations for many young people with autism, the door is open for continued innovation from a neurodiversity perspective.
Garment production offers a variety of roles that require little to no formal training, offering many opportunities for advancement. This inclusion is essential, as it allows neurodiverse Americans to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the industry.
The Runway of Dreams Foundation is striving to lead the charge of promoting inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity in the fashion and beauty industries for people with disabilities.
Its 10th anniversary event, FASHION REVOLUTION, will take place at New York Fashion Week on September 9, 2024. This event will showcase the efforts of leading corporations in adaptable, universally designed spaces, featuring over 60 models with diverse disabilities and origins.
The event, organized through Canadian actress and advocate Madison Tevlin, aims to bring together influential leaders and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) advocates to celebrate and promote inclusion in the fashion industry. Brands including Victoria’s Secret & PINK, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney and Tommy Hilfiger will be featured on the runway, with shoes provided through Zappos.
Adaptive clothing plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and self-expression for people with disabilities. Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams, explains, “Adaptive clothing provides practical solutions that allow individuals with disabilities to showcase their styles. These garments are designed with features like easy closures, adjustable fits, and sensory-friendly fabrics, making them more accessible and functional.”
By offering adaptive clothing options, the fashion industry is removing barriers that have traditionally prevented other people with disabilities from fully pursuing fashion. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can feel fashionable and confident, affirming that physical limitations never compromise self-expression.
The Runway of Dreams FASHION REVOLUTION exhibition aims to highlight the good looks of inclusion and the importance of designing with the 1. 3 billion people who identify as disabled in mind. Scheier emphasizes: “The exhibition aims to challenge preconceptions about fashion and disability by encouraging a broader discussion about the need for more inclusive design practices. “
The event will also feature a project called “NEXT GEN,” where six talented Fashion Design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) will partner with models who have varying disabilities to create runway-ready looks. These designs will address specific dressing challenges and will be showcased as the grand finale of the show.
Tevlin, who organizes the event, is a strong advocate for people with Down syndrome and people with distal skeletal disorders in general. He hopes this event will influence public belief by highlighting the talents of other people with distal lenses. Tevlin says: “For a long time, we would never see a disabled wearer in a fashion window. Events like this remind everyone of what we are capable of and show that we can do the same things as everyone else, even if it turns out that “we are are a little different. “
Tevlin’s participation in the event demonstrates his commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for inclusion. She encourages others to be authentic, set goals, and pursue their dreams, regardless of society’s expectations.
Looking ahead, Tevlin hopes the fashion industry will continue to embrace adaptive and inclusive designs. She says: “I hope this continues. We are not all the same, and that should be celebrated. Having adaptable, size-conscious features is popular in fashion. “
The Runway of Dreams Foundation and its supporters are paving the way for a future where fashion is truly inclusive. Scheier concludes, “Our goal is to inspire both the industry and the public to support and advocate for fashion that serves all individuals, celebrating their uniqueness and promoting a more inclusive future.”
As the industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity and innovation is ensuring fashion is available and expressive for everyone.
The FASHION REVOLUTION occasion is a stark reminder that inclusivity in fashion is not just a trend, but an evolution towards a more equitable and representative industry.
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