People with disabilities are part of the world’s largest minority, but despite the large size of the community, these individuals are often shut out of the spotlight in their respective industries. The fashion industry, with its luxurious runways and coveted exclusivity, is particularly guilty.
“I just love showing people that just because you’re in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fashion as much as everyone else,” said Sophie Bradbury-Cox, a content creator for disabled fashion from the UK. Instagram story. Bradbury-Cox, an ardent fan of all things rainbow and leopard print, is one of many disabled influencers around the globe making strides for disabled visibility in fashion, such as model Emily Barker and Aaron Rose Philip, who have worked with brands. Moschino, Collina Strada and Maisie Wilen during Fashion Week.
“There should be more than one disabled person in every show. Designers should include disabled people as a norm, not just a one-time thing, and they should make all the stores, their accessible shoots and runways,” Barker told POPSUGAR. in a 2021 interview.
Although much work remains to be done, so that representation of people with disabilities on runways and in modeling campaigns is the norm rather than the exception, forward influencers are creating their own spaces for people with disabilities in fashion.
Scroll through to learn more about how they’re rocking things by showcasing their unique sense of style and calling for representation. If you’re in dire need of fresh outfit inspiration on your Instagram feed, following these people will definitely help you out there as well.
