The Runway of Dreams Foundation, the nonprofit charity championing inclusion, acceptance and opportunity in fashion and beauty for people with disabilities, will host a 10th anniversary event, “Fashion Revolution.” The runway show will be presented by Victoria’s Secret & Co. and will take place during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 9 at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn.
Fashion Revolution will showcase leading companies in the adaptive and universally designed space on more than 60 models, representing a diverse range of disabilities and backgrounds.
The event will unite more than 500 influential leaders and advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion. Brands included on the runway will be Victoria’s Secret and Pink, Kohl’s, Target, JCPenney and Tommy Hilfiger, with footwear provided by Zappos.com.
Victoria Arlen models on the runway during last year’s Runway of Dreams.
Getty Images for Runway of Dreams
Canadian actor, model and advocate Madison Tevlin from the TV comedy “Champions” will host Fashion Revolution. Tevlin appears in the 2024 viral campaign, “Assume That I Can,” which generated more than 150 million views in under a week for World Down Syndrome Day.
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“Runway of Dreams and NYFW are everything that I love. New York, fashion, advocacy and a big party,” said Tevlin. “Walking the runway and hosting Fashion Revolution are what dreams are made of. I can’t wait to be part of this incredible event,” he said.
An addition to this year’s show is a project called “Next Gen,” where six talented fashion design students from Fashion Institute of Technology will partner with models who have varying disabilities to create runway-ready looks that address their specific dressing challenges in three categories: Intimates, athleisure or pajamas.
Lachi models on the runway during Runway of Dreams last September.
Getty Images for Runway of Dreams
Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams, and members of the VS&Co. adaptive design team will work closely with FIT students to ensure the looks are both functional and stylish, taking into consideration the models’ comfort and mobility. The final pieces will be the grand finale of the Runway of Dreams 2024 show.
VS&Co. will also receive the Runway of Dreams Foundation’s 2024 Pioneer of Change Award.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team who worked tirelessly to bring our Adaptive product collection from concept to reality,” said Martin Waters, chief executive officer of VS&Co. “We are grateful to be honored with the 2024 Pioneer of Change Award and truly value our relationship with the Runway of Dreams Foundation as it helps us live our commitment of removing barriers for women and supporting them at every life stage.”
Scheier added, “For the past decade, the Runway of Dreams stage has been the ultimate platform for brands to unveil their cutting-edge Adaptive designs and products. I am beyond excited that with unwavering support and active involvement of our sponsors, this year’s runway show will be our most memorable yet.”