Fashion Shows Welcome Disabled Models and Creative Student Designs

Fashion runways once only showed perfect models in expensive clothes. Now, five inspiring fashion shows are changing what beauty means on the runway.

In Vietnam, the country held its first Disability Fashion Show at the National Fine Arts Museum. Over 50 models with different disabilities walked the runway wearing custom-designed clothes. Le Thi Dien, one model, brought her wheelchair on stage and said the show helped her gain confidence to keep pursuing what she loves.

April Lockhart created Disabled& after realizing how powerful it was to be around other disabled people. The 30-year-old, who has a limb difference, now brings disabled models and creators together for fashion events year-round. She wants brands to work with disabled people all the time, not just once.

At Virginia Tech, student Karlee Angel organized a fashion show where adoptable dogs wore "adopt me" vests designed by her classmates. The Struttin' for PAWS show helped dogs find homes while giving students real experience designing clothes.

Jack Eyers made history in 2015 as the first disabled man to walk in New York Fashion Week. He later won the Mr. England pageant and a silver medal in the Paralympics. Eyers, who had his leg amputated at 16, now proudly shows his disability on runways to inspire others.

These shows prove that fashion can celebrate everyone in our community. When we include all kinds of people, creativity grows and beauty becomes more real and meaningful.