Why It’s Time To Pioneer Inclusion In Fashion

Fashion is not just about glitzy runways and flashing cameras. Behind the glamour, there are countless careers and opportunities that make up the fashion industry, including those for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

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.

The Fashion Industry Embracing Neurodiversity

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 alike. For some, being that the sensation of clothing against the skin can present challenges for many autistic children, the door is open for continued innovation from neurodiverse perspectives.

Apparel production offers various roles that require little to no formal training, providing ample opportunities for advancement. This inclusivity is critical, as it allows neurodiverse individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the industry.

Runway of Dreams: Pioneering Inclusion in Fashion

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.

Their 10th-anniversary event, FASHION REVOLUTION, will take place during New York Fashion Week on September 9th, 2024. This event will showcase the efforts of leading companies in Adaptive and Universally Designed spaces, featuring over 60 models with diverse disabilities and backgrounds.

The event, hosted by Canadian actor and advocate Madison Tevlin, aims to unite influential leaders and advocates of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to celebrate and elevate inclusion in the fashion industry. Brands like Victoria’s Secret & PINK, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, and Tommy Hilfiger will be featured on the runway, with footwear provided by Zappos.

The Impact of Adaptive Clothing

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 breaks down barriers that have historically limited individuals with disabilities from participating fully in fashion. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can feel stylish and confident, affirming that physical limitations should never compromise personal expression.

Celebrating Diversity and Innovation

The Runway of Dreams FASHION REVOLUTION show aims to highlight the beauty of inclusivity and the importance of designing with the 1.3 billion people who identify as having a disability in mind. Scheier emphasizes, “The show aims to challenge preconceived notions about fashion and disability, encouraging a broader dialogue 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.

Influencing Public Perception

Ms. Tevlin, who is hosting the event, has been a strong advocate for people with Down Syndrome and disabilities in general. She hopes that this event will influence public perception by showcasing the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Tevlin says, “For the longest time, you would never see someone with a disability on a fashion runway. Events like this remind everyone what we’re capable of and show that we can do the same things as anyone else, even if it looks a bit different.”

Tevlin’s participation in the event is a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers and advocating for inclusivity. She encourages others to stay authentic, set goals, and pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

A Future of Inclusive Fashion

Looking ahead, Tevlin hopes that the fashion industry will continue to embrace adaptive and inclusive designs. She states, “My hope is that it just keeps going. We are not all the same, and that should be celebrated. Having adaptive and size-inclusive options should be a norm 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, it is essential to embrace diversity and innovation, ensuring that fashion is accessible and expressive for everyone.

The FASHION REVOLUTION event serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity in fashion is not just a trend but a necessary evolution toward a more equitable and representative industry.