AN inspirational fashion show which gave models with physical and learning disabilities the chance to walk down the catwalk has raised £75,000.
Hundreds of people attended the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself event, organised by Manchester-based charity, The Friendship Circle.
The show, held at the Hilton Suite in Prestwich was filmed by the BBC, and formed part of the charity’s ongoing crusade to break down barriers and smash through stereotypes.
Model Hannah Mendell, who was among those to take to the catwalk, said: “Yes, we’ve got disabilities, but that doesn’t mean that anything can hold us back or stop us and what we want to achieve in life. Before I came to the Friendship Circle, I had very little confidence. So to be on the catwalk was the most phenomenal experience.”
Those taking part in the event were following in the footsteps of fashion’s move towards greater visibility for disabled and visibly different models – a charge led by Britain’s Ellie Goldstein, the Down Syndrome model who has fronted campaigns for Gucci and Adidas.
The money raised will now help the charity continue its work throughout 2023.
Esty Bruck, Operations Director Friendship Circle : “Our charity is all about breaking barriers and smashing stereotypes, it may be through fashion, it may be through sports, or it may be via the hundreds of activities we run throughout the year.
“I have so much pride in our fabulous members, both those who were walking the catwalk and those who were not. Our members are taught that self-confidence is the best outfit. We encourage them to rock it, own it and wear it with pride. Thanks to this fantastic fundraising total we will be able to continue to help people in the future.
Among the businesses who supported the event were the Manchester-based fashion wholesaler Whispering Smith. They provided outfits for the show, and also donated £5,000.
Director Diane Heslop said: “Fashion and clothing should never be a barrier, and we have made sure to adapt our styles so that all of those taking to the catwalk could feel at their most confident. The work The Friendship Circle carries out across the region is fantastic and continues to help transform lives.” Manchester-based NBrown also acted as a sponsor too, supplying clothes.
