Media release - 1 July 2018

Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Access to Fashion – disability on the runway: an exploration of disability inclusion in the fashion industry


Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – July 1, 2018 – Carly Findlay announces the introduction of Access to Fashion, a new event shining the spotlight on fashion in the disabled community, and seeks donations to the event.

Almost 20 per cent of Australians are disabled. But disabled people are rarely represented in the media and in marketing. Australians aren’t encouraged to consider the disabled community beyond a medical setting.

“We are here, and we are proud,” said Carly Findlay, writer, speaker, appearance advocate and organiser of Access to Fashion. “And, not so surprisingly, we are buying and wearing clothes.”

On 1 September 2018, Access to Fashion will ad-dress the issue of disability exclusion in the fashion industry. There will be no skirting the issues; the event will include a panel discussion and runway show featuring disabled models.

It will focus on the need for accessibility and authentic representation, highlighting the change makers and activists within the disabled community.

“We will be calling for a diverse range of disabled people – models, fashion designers, sponsors and crowdfunders – to get involved,” said Ms Findlay.

“We’ve had a lot of interest so far, and are pleased to have the support of the City of Melbourne.”

The event will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 1 September 2018 in Melbourne.It a part of Melbourne Fashion Week.

Donations sought

Access to Fashion is a labour of love. But love won’t pay the bills.

Ms Findlay invites donations to the event, and has set up a crowdfunding account.

“A big part of this discussion is not only the underrepresentation of disabled people in fashion, but the underpayment of those who do get involved,” Ms Findlay said. “The funds raised will go towards paying those who make the event possible, including models, photographers, caterers, hair and make-up artists, accessibility providers and creators of promotional material.”

The crowdfunding target is $5,000. Click here to donate.

Access to Fashion is also accepting donations of time and services. Volunteers and volunteer organisations will be listed on promotional material. Those interested in volunteering should email carlyfindlay8@gmail.com for further information.

Ticket information

Tickets for Access to Fashion will be on sale soon. Details will follow in a future media release.

Media queries:


Email: carlyfindlay8@gmail.com

@Carlyfindlay

Facebook.com/tune.into.radio.carly

 (Image description: a purple graphic of three figures on a fashion runway. One is a person in a  dress holding a dog on a lead, one is a person in a wheelchair, and the other is of a person standing up - one leg is a prosthesis. The text reads “Access to fashion”.)

(Image description: a purple graphic of three figures on a fashion runway. One is a person in a dress holding a dog on a lead, one is a person in a wheelchair, and the other is of a person standing up - one leg is a prosthesis. The text reads “Access to fashion”.)

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