Runway of Dreams Exhibit Spotlights Inclusive Fashion
Pieces from the Runway of Dreams exhibit located in Steel Plant Studios.
Amanda Dibre '23
Mindy Scheier, founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Runway of Dreams, was inspired by her son with muscular dystrophy to create an organization that “empowers people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through fashion and beauty inclusion.” He always dreamt of wearing jeans like everyone else, so Scheier built the foundation in 2014 alongside her son.
Many colleges and universities across the country have joined the campaign by adding Runway of Dreams to their school in the form of clubs. Using their platforms, schools can further educate and raise awareness among new audiences. Through fundraising and hosting discussions, people can get involved firsthand. Similarly, having adaptive fashion shows at universities adds another layer of inclusivity by allowing their own student body to model on the runway.
Marist College is one of the many schools that has partnered with Runway of Dreams. On Jan. 26, Marist hosted an adaptive fashion exhibit in Steel Plant Studios. The event was student-run, and the exhibit showed multiple brands that have adaptive fashion clothing, including Target, Zappos and Kohl's. Many people in the Marist community and the town of Poughkeepsie came to show their support.
Julia Panas ‘23, President of the Runway of Dreams club on campus, said “When I mention it to other people, the first question is always ‘What's that?’ People don't know what adaptive fashion is because people with disabilities are too often overlooked in conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in the fashion industry.”
She explained that the reason she keeps doing what she’s doing is because of the response from the people they are affecting. “Inclusion is everything. Everyone has those moments where we feel alone or part of the "out" group and we all know how good it feels to belong, to be welcomed. That's what Runway of Dreams is trying to accomplish,” said Panas.
The fashion industry typically overlooks those with disabilities, but now, in this world of inclusion, it’s important to include every type of person in fashion. Reputable brands like Tommy Hilfiger design adaptive clothing and are widely successful. When more brands continue the movement of designing adaptive clothing, it will be normalized and exciting to see in stores. Runway of Dreams is dedicated to making adaptive clothing a part of the typical fashion we see every day, so everyone can feel like they belong.
Pieces from the Runway of Dreams exhibit located in Steel Plant Studios.
Amanda Dibre '23