Recognizing Adaptive & Universally Designed Apparel, Footwear and Products.

The Runway of Dreams™ Foundation, a nonprofit organization leading the charge on inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity in the fashion and beauty industries for people with disabilities, showcased the ‘A FASHION REVOLUTION’ runway show on September 13, 2023, at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, New York.

The runway show, ‘A FASHION REVOLUTION’, Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams hosted the show along with former NFL linebacker Shaquem Griffin — dressed in looks provided by Neiman Marcus and Tommy Hilfiger. The runway show 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 and caregivers.

• 

• 

• 

• 

I’m honored to continue my journey with Runway of Dreams. This organization is a trailblazer for change, and advocates for millions of people across the globe like myself, who need accessible clothing, which so many people take for granted every day of their lives.
— Shaquem Griffin

Notable attendees included 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 Alridge, Aaron Rose Philip.

The Runway of Dreams stage is where brands have chosen to celebrate the debut of their Adaptive designs over the years, and I am thrilled and so honored to welcome Victoria’s Secret and Pink Adaptive to the Adaptive family. Knowing the Victoria’s Secret and PINK Adaptive products were developed with and for people with disabilities proves their commitment to true inclusion, and understanding the work that needs to go into making these products authentically.
— Mindy Scheier, Founder of Runway of Dreams

Zappos was awarded the esteemed Pioneer of Change Award, presented to Zappos CEO Scott Schaefer and Zappos Adaptive Business Development Manager Dana Zumbo. Billy Price of BILLY Footwear was also awarded with the Inspirational Achievement Award for their innovative zippered Adaptive shoes. Two scholarships were awarded as part of the Foundation’s commitment to educate and inspire the next generation of Adaptive Designers.

We’ve been proud partners of Runway of Dreams since the launch of our Zappos Adaptive shopping experience in 2017. Together, we have grown in our shared commitment to make fashion more functional and fashionable for all. This is the stage to be on, and we are humbled to be returning this year as the 2023 Presenting Sponsor.
— Dana Zumbo, Business Development Manager for Zappos Adaptive.

We are excited to debut our first-ever Adaptive collection during New York Fashion Week on the Runway of Dreams’ runway. Runway of Dreams advocates for industry change by empowering people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through inclusion in fashion and beauty. We are honored to join the many brands who have decided to debut their Adaptive apparel on this runway adding to the historic timeline that is the future of fashion.
— Lydia Smith, Chief Diversity Officer, Victoria’s Secret & Co.

In addition to brands on the runway, innovative small brands showcased their products onsite during the evening. Brands included: MAI We Care, Spoonie Threads, One Leg Up, Reboundwear, and Silverts Adaptive.

A Fashion Revolution Runway Show Highlights

A Fashion Revolution highlighted the groundbreaking work that leading and emerging companies, from lingerie to luxury, are doing in the Adaptive and Universally Designed space, showcased on 70 models with varying disabilities and backgrounds. The show brought together 500+ leaders and champions of DEI under one roof during New York Fashion Week with the same mission: celebrate inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries.

Notable show participants included 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 more.

Watch the ‘A Fashion Revolution Runway Show’ at YouTube.

Following the show, September 14th to 16th is a free and open-to-the-public and first-of- its-kind Adaptive exhibit at Hudson Yards in New York City. This curated display features 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 is an opportunity for the public to learn about available Adaptive and Universally Designed products, and to emphasize the need for true inclusion in our mainstream world.

The Runway of Dreams™ Foundation
www.runwayofdreams.org

Runway of Dreams is a non-profit (501c3) organization leading the movement of disability inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries. ROD raises awareness and inspires change through programming that celebrates people’s differences, challenges stereotypes, and highlights the need for Adaptive & Universally designed apparel.

In-House Photography of the runway show courtesy of Runway of Dreams Foundation.

Tags: A Fashion Revolution, Aaron Rose Philip, accessible clothing, adaptive clothing, adaptive design, Ashley Stewart, beauty, BILLY Footwear, Billy Price, Caitlin Connor, Chris Ruden, Dana Zumbo, design, disability, Dustin Giannelli, fashion, fashion industry, fashion show, footwear, Gary Sheinbaum, intimate apparel, Jay Manuel, Lachi, Lexie Bader, lingerie, Logan Alridge, Lydia Smith, Mayowa Nicholas, McKenzie Coan, Mindy Scheier, Misty Diaz, Monika Myers, New York City, New York Fashion Week, NYFW, NYFW Runway, people with disabilities, PINK Adaptive Intimates, runway, runway shows, Scott Schaefer, Shaquem Griffin, shoes, Steffi Gonzalez, Syanne Centeno-Bloom, The Runway of Dreams™ Foundation, Toby Tremain, Top, Victoria Arlen, Wildine Aumoithe, Zappos, Zappos Adaptive