And The Physically Challenged, Too

THE New York Fashion Week that recently came to a close lived up to the glitz and glamour it is known for. But this year, one of the designers that showcased on the runway, gave the fashion world a huge surprise. 

  The Italian label, FTL Moda shattered stereotypes and shocked many fashion industry watchers by showcasing an unusual breed of models on their runways last week. 

    The label featured models with disabilities in its fall/winter collection. In a very moving showcase, amputees, wheelchair-bound beauties, and models on crutches fiercely stormed the catwalk alongside able-bodied models wearing futuristic designs, lots of metals and plenty of gold and silver body paint. 

   The Italian label, headed by Antonio Urzi, whose celeb clientele includes Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Britney Spears, designed the artistic pieces worn by the models. 

   The show, called “FTL Moda Loving You” was held in partnership with Fondazione Vertical, an Italian research foundation for spinal cord injuries and Models of Diversity, an agency that has devoted itself to changing the face of fashion and modeling. FTL Moda has proven with its success, that the fashion industry can actually be inclusive of individuals with disabilities. 

   While the fashion world still has a long way to go, some of the models are hoping that this can serve as an inspiration for other industries and not just fashion alone.