Fashion Week has drawn criticism in the past for its lack of diversity on the runway, and this year, it seems the people in charge have heard you loud and clear.
Last week, Jamie Brewer became the first woman with Down Syndrome to strut down the New York Fashion Week runway. And on Sunday, the FTL Moda runway show at Lincoln Center featured an incredible group of disabled models from all over the world.
The show, which was entitled "FTL Moda Loving You," was held in collaboration with Fondazione Vertical, an Italian research foundation for spinal cord injuries.
Within the awesome lineup of models, of particular note is Jack Eyers, the world's first male amputee to walk the NYFW runway.
Eyers, whose leg was amputated when he was 16 because of a birth defect, was handpicked by designer Antonio Urzi, the man behind some of the signature looks of super-celebs like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.
"It all feels so surreal—I can't believe this is actually happening,'' Eyers told Caters News in a release. "To be the first male amputee model on a New York Fashion Week runway feels amazing—it feels like such a big deal. I just want to show that having a disability doesn't need to hold you back. I want people to see me, and to realize that there needs to be more disabled models walking the runway."
The show has been praised for empowering people with disabilities and further diversifying the Fashion Week runways.
"It is a very significant moment in my fashion career, this opportunity to finally open the most recognized runways in the world to these beautiful talents, ready to show that disability is very often just a mental state by performing on the runway next to some of the best models on the scene," producer Ilaria Niccolini told Ticker Report.
"Working with Fabrizio Bartoccioni at Vertical Foundation has been a thoughtful and extremely motivating experience, that opened my mind completely and showed me that the wheelchairs or prosthetics are not more than 'accessories', extensions of the dress, as Fabrizio often says."
Now that's what we call fashion-forward.
Watch the whole show here:
[youtube align='center']https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41yXqFQcHs[/youtube]
You should also check out:
Jamie Brewer Will Be the First Model with Down Syndrome to Walk at Fashion Week
-
Seth Rogen Was Accidentally Way Too High To Be Front Row At Adele’s Concert Special“If Adele, you're watching this, why did you do that?"
By Julie Tremaine •
-
William and Kate Will Send Christmas Gifts to Harry and Meghan’s Kids, Royal Experts Say
It's probably not going to be olive branches.
By Julie Tremaine •
-
The 'True Story' Cast: Your Guide
Meet the cast of Netflix's latest thriller.
By Quinci LeGardye •
-
The 19 Best Bra Brands of 2021
They'll feel like a second skin.
By Andrea Zendejas •
-
31 Eco-Friendly Gifts Your Friends, Family, and the Planet Will Love
Make every day Earth Day.
By Katherine J Igoe •
-
The Late Fall Wardrobe Essentials to Wear Right Now
These are the five pieces you need this season.
By Sara Holzman •
-
The Best Wide-Leg Pants for the Office and Beyond
The bigger, the better.
By Taylor Ayers •
-
Fair Isle Sweaters for Staying Cozy-Chic in All Winter Long
The fairest of them all.
By Sara Holzman •
-
The 9 Best Slip-On Sneakers to Wear Anywhere
Slide into these day or night.
By Sara Holzman •
-
The 22 Best Watches for Women Right Now
The real MVP of your outfit.
By Katie Attardo •
-
20 Winter Wedding Guest Dresses to Shine In
The only thing you'll need to worry about are shoes.
By Julia Marzovilla •
