Rather than selling the clothes on the runway, showcasing a collection of entirely custom-made garments is about demonstrating proof-of-concept, Rogers explains. The Adaptive Clothing Collective and the Curve Edit will both break fashion week’s usual business model. “And the main thing I would say from that is that they are not shying away and are not disheartened.”Īustralian fashion week is traditionally a trade event, where designers present samples of their upcoming collections for wholesale buyers and media. “Being an adaptive clothing brand I was across all those sort of things,” Rogers said of that incident.

“But … items that actually cater for people’s needs is more than tokenistic.”Īustralian fashion week’s consumer-facing closing show in 2021 received criticism on social media for failing to consider the needs of model and Paralympian Rheed McCracken, who had to push his wheelchair down a runway covered in streamers and confetti. “It’s amazing to have diversity and representation ,” Rogers says. Adjustments include magnetic fastenings in place of buttons, and higher seat rises in pants, for wheelchair users. The Adaptive Clothing Collective will custom-make every runway look specifically for the needs of their models. “It’s super important to show that people with disabilities can look … runway ready,” Rogers said.

“People with disabilities deserve more than basics,” said Molly Rogers, of Jam the Label, who will be staging the show with fellow adaptive designer Christina Stephens, under the banner Adaptive Clothing Collective. Adaptive fashion – clothing designed for customers with disabilities – will also be featured in a stand-alone runway show. The Curve Edit is not the only first for the event. “We’re working to create a more accessible and equitable industry by ensuring talented designers, creatives and fashion professionals of all identities have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” Natalie Xenita, who heads IMG’s Australian fashion events, said. She says the concept was welcomed with open arms. “Where were the BIGGER bodies.”īonner pitched the idea for a plus-size runway to IMG, the US-based events company that owns Australian fashion week. I’m a size 12-14,” she wrote on Instagram. “Yes I’m a curve model but I’m still palatable. After the 2021 event, artist and model Basjia Almaan, who walked in several shows, also spoke out. Last year’s Australian fashion week drew significant criticism for its lack of larger bodies on the runway, with model Kate Wasley branding size diversity “ non existent”.

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