Paralympians, athletes set to walk the ramp at LA Fashion Week
Fashionistas world over are in for a treat, as the LA Fashion Week (LAFW) will be hosting its shows between October 7 and 10 this year at the Petersen Automotive Museum, a premier car museum and historical landmark in
Los Angeles, USA. While the event will feature more than 20 award-winning designers and artists from around the world, who will showcase their latest collections and designs, this year’s edition has more to it.
As part of LAFW’s Diversity & Disability initiative, current and former paralympians and athletes will be closing the season with an exclusive runway sports show, unlike any other. Led by Disability & Diversity advocate Steven Tingus, this promises to be a highlight of the entire season. And, this unique initiative is being welcomed and lauded by many from India and across the world.
“It is a very heartening initiative,” says Gulfam Ahmed, a differently-abled model, actor and motivational speaker. “I am glad that paralympians will get an opportunity... It takes a lot of courage for those with special abilities to prove themselves. I am glad they are being given a platform, it will inspire so many others to live their dreams,” adds Ahmed, stating that fashion has the power to “transform the world”.
Kicking off the season in style, Elie Madi of Yas Couture, touted to be the “ultimate red carpet designer”, will open the show, with Jacob Meir, founder of For the Stars Fashion House. Meir has, in the past, worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Carrie Underwood and many more.
The fashion week will also feature other labels, such as California’s high energy streetwear pioneer Gypsy Sport, and Sustainable Fashion Pioneer Greg Lauren, apart from design talents such as Laura Theiss, 404 Studio, Bishme Cromartie, Naids Fashion and many more, who are ready to flaunt their latest collections, hoping to turn heads on the runway and in showrooms. “LA has become the streetwear and red carpet fashion capital of the world. As part of this cultural renaissance, we’re excited to be leaders behind this movement into a premier hub for fashion, art, design and entertainment. That’s why the event has become more experiential than ever before,” says Arthur Chipman, executive producer of LAFW.