Visually impaired and blind models are taking a prominent step onto the catwalk in Oak Brook, Illinois, through an initiative organized by the Beautiful Lives Project. The evening showcase features participants who are not only modeling luxury designs on the runway but are also personally selecting the apparel they wear, according to local reports.
The event brings together roughly 100 anticipated guests at the CD Peacock Mansion in Oakbrook Center, located in Oak Brook, Illinois, as detailed by WWD. Organizers highlight that while figures like “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Amanda Swafford and fashion designer Natalie Travon have gained attention in the past, fashion shows featuring visually impaired models have been scarce following the first national Blind Fashion Show held during New York Fashion Week in 2016.
According to the U.S. The Beautiful Lives Project aims to bridge accessibility gaps by creating immersive community opportunities.
Tactile Styling and Community Collaboration
For the participants preparing for the Oak Brook runway, selecting an outfit involves a hands-on approach. Ten legally blind participants visit a Nordstrom store to choose their garments, relying on touch to examine the smoothness, roughness, and varying fabrics of different apparel styles. While some models utilize partial vision, others depend entirely on tactile self-styling.
Bryce Weiler, co-founder of the Beautiful Lives Project who is completely blind, explained the philosophy driving the initiative. “I wanted to show that fashion can be experienced in many ways,” Weiler said. “It can be seen through someone’s eyes, or it can be touched through someone’s fingers, or felt in the heart.”
Weiler added that his goal is to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities can do whatever they dream of doing in their lives. “I am passionate about creating community support for individuals that are too often forgotten,” Weiler noted.
Behind the Scenes of the Oak Brook Fashion Show
Preparation for the runway extends beyond clothing selection. Participants also visit a Hammer & Nails salon in Naperville, Illinois, to have their hair styled before the show.
The collaboration in Oak Brook took shape after Steven Holtzman, vice chairman of the luxury watch and jewelry retailer CD Peacock, and his 16-year-old daughter Aria were introduced to the nonprofit by a client. Seeking to get involved, the Holtzmans visited the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood, a facility offering programs for blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind individuals who are 18 or older. Holtzman recounted bringing ten pizzas to the center’s cafeteria to discuss the fashion show concept with people.
“I think it is just such a beautiful idea, a beautiful message,” high school student Aria Holtzman said, emphasizing the importance of including individuals who are frequently excluded from mainstream fashion spaces.
Models participating in the event have shared strong reactions to the opportunity. Model Daniella Rico emphasized the message of inclusion, stating, “Just because there’s something different about you, it doesn’t mean that you can’t follow your dreams.” Fellow model RoseMary Mines expressed gratitude, adding that the showcase “will start a new trend for young women, older women, anyone who has a disability.”
CD Peacock’s two-story, 21,000-square-foot luxury retail space at Oakbrook Center features concept shops for brands including Rolex, Omega, and Chanel. Steven Holtzman expressed hope that the collaboration inspires a “Pay It Forward” type situation among students and community members to support visually impaired individuals.
Readers interested in learning more about future events can follow updates directly through the Beautiful Lives Project official channels.
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