In recent years, the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion has become a goal in several fields. The fashion industry is no exception, and one nonprofit organization has taken on the mission to create a future of acceptance and opportunity for a special group of people – those with disabilities.
The Runway of Dreams Foundation is that organization, and on April 29, its club at the university held its third annual Adaptive Fashion Show in Trabant Multipurpose Room A/B.
The show featured 12 models, a performance by the Impact Dance Company and a raffle with several prizes. The event also accepted donations towards the organization’s goal of creating a more inclusive fashion environment.
Every attendee received a bag containing a sticker with the foundation’s logo, a brochure of the event, a pair of Rebound socks and a small piece of candy. There was also a UDairy ice cream stand where attendees could enjoy a sweet and refreshing treat from the humid weather outside Trabant.
The show started with opening remarks by the club’s president and vice president, Lucia Morris, a senior business and marketing major, and Lindsay Geschickter, a junior fashion merchandising and management major.
After their introductions, accompanied by visual descriptions, Morris and Geschickter briefed the audience about the show. They then turned the (dance) floor to Impact who spoke about their mission of giving back to the community and raising money as a team.
Impact performed a five-minute number across the floor in front of the audience and catwalk. Garnering applause and cheers, they finished along the catwalk and walked off the floor, turning the crowd’s attention back to Morris and Geshickter.
Morris spoke about the meaning of Runway of Dreams, where differences are not only embraced but also celebrated, and that diversity is not simply a buzzword thrown around.
“Each walk down on Runway represents a triumph over adversity and the beauty of our own uniqueness,” Morris said in the speech. “I love that this organization breaks down barriers, challenges and social norms, letting us all be fashionable.”
Geschickter introduced the outfit sponsors for the show: Zappos, Lady Fines, Sparkies and Rebound.
“We could not thank these guys enough for their generous donations and support for our mission,” Geshickter said in the speech. “Without them the show would not be possible.”
With that, the fashion show began. The models were diverse in race and age, from as young as four to as old as 29. Each of them shared a passion for fashion and style, wearing different clothes from the sponsor brands.
There was also a mix of new and returning models. Returning model Elijah wore a pants and shirt combo from Sparkies and Zappos. Alyssa, the final model of the show, wore a pink tracksuit from Sparkies that caught the attention of the entire audience, which was made up of family members, friends and visitors.
In a brief intermission of the show, Morris stated that cash and card donations would be accepted at free will. The cost would be split between the club and the foundation. There was also a raffle at the end of the show.
The models all did a brief run through of the show before the raffle officially began. Morris, Geshickter and the rest of the club stated that they were proud to be in an organization advocating for an adaptable future in the fashion industry.
“Together, we are making the world a more inclusive place.” Morris said in the speech.