Australian adaptive label Christina Stephens put inclusivity at the forefront at Brisbane Fashion Month, featuring two models with a disability in its runway show.
Author and seated model Lisa Cox and paediatric occupational therapist and standing model Rebecca Khan featured on the runway alongside plus-sized models, shining the spotlight on diversity, inclusion and body positivity.
Speaking on the show, Brisbane Fashion Month director Laura Churchill said that the event wants to showcase genuine diversity on the runway.
"It’s important to me that any diversity on the runway (in ethnicity, size or ability) isn’t tokenistic but is in response to genuine demand from the industry.
"I’m honoured the team at Christina Stephens chose Brisbane Fashion Month to show their collection and allow us the opportunity to have these conversations," she said.
Continuing the discussion off the runway, Christina Stephens founder Jessie Sadler also co-hosted a panel which explored the design, social and economic imperatives of inclusive fashion, and where they see the industry headed.
Starting the label after witnessing the difficulties her mother had when dressing following a fall, Sadler said that she wanted to create pieces that were desirable for those with and without a disability.
"Inclusive fashion is where plus-size clothing was 15 years ago.
"We want to get rid of the stigma that some customers perceive around adaptive clothing, by creating pieces that are discreetly functional and fit for purpose but beautiful and desirable by customers with and without disabilities," she said.
Brisbane Fashion Month ran from October 1-31.
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