FASHION
Runway of Dreams - Fighting for Inclusivity
By: Eliza Brown, Staff Writer Edited by: Bella Gallus
Inclusivity has been a relevant and important topic of discussion in the fashion industry. In recent years, brands have been considering their identities by focusing on the inclusion of race, gender identity, and all body types. Missing from this list, however, is a very important group—people with disabilities.
The Runway of Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit that raises awareness about the need for inclusivity for people with disabilities and fights to ensure that everyone, of all abilities, is represented in the fashion industry. Some examples of the Foundation’s programs and events include adaptive runway shows and scholarships for students who intend to further adaptive fashion design. Students at Syracuse University show their own commitment to inclusivity through the formation of our very own Runway of Dreams club here on campus.
Across the globe, 16% of people live with a disability, but as of 2023, only 0.02% of models featured in New York Fashion Week had physical disabilities. Madison Lawson, who was born with muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, noted in her Vogue article that her own personal perception of beauty is based on what our society has decided is beautiful. Society’s perception of beauty has never looked like her, which negatively impacts her self-esteem. The Runway of Dreams Foundation hopes to make a change in society’s perception of beauty, so that no one grows up believing they aren’t beautiful enough.
The Foundation’s mission is to “empower people with disabilities to have confidence and self- expression through fashion and beauty inclusion.” One way this mission is carried out is through college clubs, like the one formed at Syracuse University. While the club was formed in 2022, this year is the first year that the campus organization will be putting on a fashion show featuring models with disabilities. The previous years were focused on formation and logistics. This year, current president Elena Fliszary, a senior, is excited about the impact the organization can make this upcoming year.
Fliszary states that she became involved in the organization because she “wanted to empower people the way she feels empowered through clothing.” Fashion is important in many people’s lives, but often people with disabilities are left out of this narrative. The campus organization specifically aims to help Syracuse students and the overall community to be more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Fliszary encourages any students who are interested in Runway of Dreams to get involved. Students can attend the club’s biweekly meetings, or engage in other activities. This includes events such as the Best Buddies Annual Friendship Walk, which was held on October 26, 2024. Additionally, the organization is looking for models for the Spring Fashion show. Overall, Fliszary states that her goal is to “bring together a community of passionate students who want to show their commitment to inclusivity and fashion.” She stresses the importance of being an advocate for and building an inclusive community.
Representation in fashion shows is so important, so is representation within all aspects of a brand. Tommy Hilfiger, for example, has specific adaptive fashion lines for people with disabilities. For a piece to be considered ‘adaptive,’ it has a modification that allows people with disabilities to wear them with ease. For example, clothing that has velcro clasps can make it easier to take on and off. Another popular brand, SKIMS, has incorporated models with disabilities wearing their accessible bras and underwear. One example is when SKIMS featured Scout Bassett, a paralympian who lost her leg when she was young. Bassett was shown on their social media accounts wearing their adaptive clothing leading up to the release of the apparel. This is a great step towards more trending brands becoming accessible for all, as this brand is especially popular with fashion influencers on Tiktok. Additionally, brands like Victoria’s Secret and Von Ruz have lines of adaptive and inclusive clothing. Clothing lines that are inclusive of people with disabilities are so important because it makes fashion accessible to everyone. The accessibility of the brands are hardly discussed enough on social media.
While some brands are making changes, the fight for inclusivity is never over. Supporting brands that are committed to inclusivity, especially for people with disabilities, is a positive way to support this cause. To make an even bigger difference, consider getting involved with Runway of Dreams to help students on campus, and make a personal commitment to being an advocate for all.
Fashion is meant to be something that makes you feel confident, but when your personal identity isn’t included, it can’t fulfill this role. As a society, we should aim to be inclusive of everyone, and focus on ways to uplift others through things that are important to us. Fashion is this for so many people, and through foundations such as Runway of Dreams, we can make inclusivity for all a reality.
: Fash10nBeautySU!