Ever searched for “adaptive clothing?” If you have, you might have felt let down by the options available. Most adaptive wear—designed for individuals with disabilities—often prioritizes function over style, resulting in uninspiring choices that resemble “hospital wear.”
While functionality is undeniably a crucial component—easy-to-use closures, adjustable fits, and multiple entry points are essential—it doesn’t mean that adaptive clothing has to be drab or unappealing. This belief inspired the creation of the Runway of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by designer and advocate, Rachel Summers. The foundation is dedicated to transforming the landscape of adaptive fashion, one garment at a time.
Rachel, a fashion designer and mother to a child with special needs, established the Runway of Dreams Foundation in 2014 after her son, Alex, who has a unique form of muscular dystrophy, expressed his desire to wear jeans to school like his peers. Traditional jeans were not a feasible option due to his physical challenges, but rather than accept defeat, Rachel stayed up all night altering a pair of jeans to suit his requirements. The result? Alex proudly wore jeans to school the next day.
As Rachel explains on the Runway of Dreams website, that pivotal moment opened her eyes to the struggles faced by countless individuals seeking fashionable clothing tailored to their needs. She envisioned a world where adaptive clothing is not just available but also celebrated within mainstream fashion. Drawing from her two decades of experience in the industry and her passion for design, Rachel founded the Runway of Dreams Foundation.
Unlike a typical clothing brand, Runway of Dreams collaborates with the fashion industry to create mainstream clothing options for the differently-abled community. “Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through fashion,” Rachel explains. “Clothing is a fundamental human necessity that can boost confidence and independence; it should never be compromised due to a disability. We aim to enhance access to fashionable adaptive clothing while promoting career opportunities in the fashion sector for people with disabilities, making the industry more inclusive and diverse.”
The foundation has already made significant strides. In 2016, they partnered with a well-known brand to launch an adaptive clothing line for children, marking a historic moment as it was the first time a major designer offered adaptive versions of their clothing. Since then, they have continued to work together to introduce seasonal collections.
But their influence doesn’t end there. Runway of Dreams also empowers the differently-abled community through various initiatives, including employment opportunities, adaptive design workshops, awareness campaigns, and scholarships. On June 8, the organization hosted its second annual gala and fashion show in New York City, showcasing models with disabilities.
While Runway of Dreams has exciting plans for the future, they have not yet disclosed specific details. However, there is no doubt that this organization will continue to make a significant impact for years to come.
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Summary
The Runway of Dreams Foundation, founded by Rachel Summers, aims to make the fashion industry more inclusive for individuals with disabilities by promoting stylish adaptive clothing. Through collaborations, initiatives, and events, the foundation is paving the way for a more representative fashion landscape.
Keyphrase: Runway of Dreams Foundation
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