NY Fashion Week Show Highlights Adaptive Apparel

A special event during New York Fashion Week called the "Runway of Dreams Fashion Show" specialized adaptive apparel — apparel made for people with disabilities.

Models with disabilities took to the runway at New York Fashion Week wearing clothing designed to meet their needs. The fashion show was staged by the Runway of Dreams Foundation, a public charity that gives people with disabilities access to fashion. pic.twitter.com/qwJVPJIcIS

— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) September 14, 2023

The inspiration came from Runway of Dreams founder Mindy Scheier, whose teenage son has muscular dystrophy.

"My inspiration was that I am a fashion designer by trade, and also the mom of a now 18-year-old son who has muscular dystrophy," she said, according to ABC 7. "He just wanted to be able to wear jeans like everyone else, and there were no mainstream options for him."

Adaptive apparel can include features that make it easier for people with disabilities, like zippers instead of shoelaces in footwear, velcro closures rather than buttons, open-back clothing, and more.

It's good to see this on display at one of fashion's premier events, drawing attention to how people with disabilities might need apparel that works for them, and could influence apparel manufacturers in the promo space to create more options for everyone.