Disabled people constitute the largest minority group in the world, yet are the most underserved and underrepresented.Shopping for clothes is challenging enough, but for anyone whose body falls outside the norm, it is next to impossible. Disabled people hold a lot of power, and it is about time that they are represented with apparel that makes them feel confident with adaptive designs  that can empower people with disabilities. Big names such as Tommy Hilfiger’s disability-friendly collection, which includes adaptive features like Velcro closures, magnetic buttons and adjustable hems and Nike’s Go FlyEase shoe, marks the first hands-free sneaker ever made.

Yesterday we wrote about one of the most inspiring events I have ever attended. A Fashion Revolution featured adaptive and universally designed apparel, footwear, and products from: Zappos, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, Stride Rite, Steve Madden, French Toast Adaptive, adidas, and the runway debut of Victoria’s Secret and PINK’s first-ever Adaptive Intimates – showcased on 70 models, with varying disabilities and backgrounds, in addition to loved ones, caregivers and support animals.

Runway of Dream or RoD, raises awareness through large scale runway shows, but can you image…we all have to get dressed every day and when there are no clothes that make you feel wanted, that has to do something to your self worth. Despite fashion’s rallying cries for inclusion, it seems that only applies to race, gender, sexuality, age, size, and religion, but rarely to one’s abilities. If you have limited use of your arms or  a pant that would work for someone with a prosthetic.

Fashion should be everybody’s right and this was a night to be celebrated.

I.8 Billion people have a disability on this planet. 1 in 4 (27 percent) adults in the United States have some type of disability.

• 12.1 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
• 12.8 percent of U.S. adults have a cognition disability with serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• 7.2 percent of U.S. adults have an independent living disability with difficulty doing errands alone.
• 6.1 percent of U.S. adults are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.
• 4.8 percent of U.S. adults have a vision disability with blindness or serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses.
• 3.6 percent of U.S. adults have a self-care disability with difficulty dressing or bathing.

Until 4 years ago, there was no clothing or shoes made specifically to help people with disabilities dress. If you add in the senior population, who most need the same adjustments that number is staggering. 1 in 6 people are over 65 and that equals 55.8 million.

Katy Sullivan, Margarita Parlionas and Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna Bowling and Billy Price of Billy’s shoes

Last night I was so honored to be attending the runway show, A Fashion Revolution featuring adaptive and universally designed apparel, footwear, and products from: Zappos, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, Stride Rite, Steve Madden, French Toast Adaptive, adidas, and the runway debut of Victoria’s Secret and PINK’s first-ever Adaptive Intimates – showcased on 70 models with varying disabilities and backgrounds, in addition to loved ones, caregivers and support animals.

Mindy Scheier and Logan Aldridge

Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams hosted the show along with Shaquem Griffin, former NFL linebacker (dressed in looks provided by Neiman Marcus and Tommy Hilfiger)

Attending was Victoria’s Secret model – Mayowa Nicholas,  Lydia Smith – Chief Diversity Officer, Victoria’s Secret & Co., Scott Schaefer – Zappos CEO, Dana Zumbo – Zappos Adaptive Business Development Manager, Billy Price – BILLY Footwear, Logan Aldridge and Aaron Rose Philip

Participanting in the show were  Jay Manuel, Victoria Arlen, McKenzie Coan, Lachi, Misty Diaz, Lexie Bader, Steffi Gonzalez, Toby Tremain, Caitlin Connor, Chris Ruden, Dustin Giannelli, Wildine Aumoithe, Syanne Centeno-Bloom, Monika Myers, April Lockhardt and so many more.

They took to the runway with confidence, joy, feeling seen and an exuberance that was so heart warming.

Runway of Dream or RoD, raises awareness through large scale runway shows; campaigns for inclusion educational programs that inspire and develop the next generation of design innovators and marketing leaders; and advocates on the need and necessity of inclusion through resources and thought-provoking panels.

Logan Aldridge and T2C’s Suzanna Bowling

The event took place at Powerhouse Arts, 322 Third Avenue, in Brooklyn and it was so worth the trek.

To see more of this amazing adaptive movement go to Hudson Yards Mall until September 16th. A open-to-the-public and free, first-of- its-kind Adaptive exhibit that will feature Adaptive and Universally Designed collections from mainstream brands committed to inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries, and the history of Runway of Dreams as a trailblazer in the Adaptive space. The event emphasizes the need for true inclusion in our mainstream world.

If today’s facts didn’t shock you and make you ponder, tomorrow’s facts will. Plus fashion shows.

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From the fabulous photographer and artist Roger Sichel.

Guests enjoyed spectacular birds-eye panoramic views from every perspective, high above the bustle of Manhattan at 15 Hudson Yards 90th floor.

The guest list was exclusive, as drinks and art were highlighted. Models, art, fashion, champagne and cavier abound.

The party was curated by Eddy Bogaert and hosted by Rakesh Gupta.

There was art by Liam Duffy.

Photography from the wonderful Nancy Levier.

Fabulous work by John Mazlish and John-Herbert Wright called Decompression.

I really loved Sandy Cohen’s work.

This was a night of art to celebrate.

Consuelo Vanderbilt and legendary Latin music producer Emilio Estefan joined forces to highlight Latino designers from around the world.

Vanderbilt, is an entrepreneur and a society fixture. Vanderbilt’s company produced “Ignite the Runway,” which featured designers like Victor De Souza, Argenis, and Manuel Tiscareño.

Consuelo Vanderbilt

This year’s event, dubbed “Latin Ignition,” focused squarely on giving Latin designers a platform.

The evening started with cocktails, then the fashion show, with Alvin Valley, Laura Garcia, Nabys Vielman, and Cesar Galindo.

Erika Katz, Emilio Estefan

Valley showed minidresses with feathers, laser-cut corset belts, and bikinis. One model had two little leashed dogs.

Vivace Maxvictor and Erika Katz

Garcia, exhibited striped sundresses and paisley frocks.

Venezuela native Vielman used pop art and prints.

Erika Katz

Galindo, showed silhouettes, bold sleeves, and elegant draping.

The party continued afterwards with music by Latin rock band Los Rabanes and DJ Hex Hector.

Consuelo Vanderbilt, Vivace Maxvictor

Vivace Maxvictor, Emilio Estefan

Fashion Week started out as Coach took over the New York Public Library to celebrate creative director Stuart Vevers’s 10th anniversary at the American brand. On Friday Peter Do, who will make his debut at Helmut Lang, and Ralph Lauren, shows for the first time since before the pandemic. Here is the line-up of who is showing this year