Inclusive clothing coming to LA Fashion Week – Bezgraniz Couture

Whether they are walking in high heels or rolling on two wheels, a group of disabled and non-disabled models will come together on Oct. 2 at famed Los Angeles Fashion Week and strike a pose in the Bezgraniz Couture fashion show. Dima Babushkin Photo

By Maureen Gazda, New Mobility September 22, 2016

Bezgraniz is the latest clothing line specifically catered to those with disabilities. Making its U.S. debut, the Russian/German based brand specializes in creating fashionable yet practical clothing for people with disabilities.

Модели с необычным строением тела на показе моды в Москве. Bezgraniz Couture. Sergei Karpukhin, Reuters

In collaboration with the students of the British Higher School of Art and Design in Moscow, Bezgraniz will premiere its 2017 collection entitled Revolutionaries, which uses hi-tech fabrics and technologies to create stylish and functional clothing for wheelchair users and others with disabilities.

“We are pleased to be a part of the international movement toward inclusive fashion,” said Dr. Janina Urussowa and Tobias Reisner, the founders of Bezgraniz Couture. “We are rebranding disability with a new visual approach. Our goal is to enhance the lives of more than 18 percent of the human population: people with disabilities and their families, friends and caregivers.”

True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future. #bezgraniz #bezgranizcouture #handicap #kid #child #happiness #enjoy #present #smile #wheelchair #wheelchairuser

A photo posted by Bezgraniz Couture (@bezgraniz) on Jun 3, 2016 at 2:35am PDT

The show, which takes place at the Hollywood Athletic club, will feature models, Paralympians, actors, artists and motivational speakers with disabilities and without. Angela Rockwood, prominent model and star of the award winning show Push Girls as well as The Fast and the Furious, will serve as both Host of the show and model. She will be joined by British singer and model Viktoria Modesta, an amputee.

“It’s extremely difficult to find clothes that are comfortable yet stylish at the same time,” said Rockwood, a quadriplegic. “I dare any well-known designer to step out of their comfort zone and walk into the realm of disability to successfully create beautiful pieces that are not only chic but tailored for specific bodies and needs. It’s time to bring awareness and provide what is needed for so many out there.”

LA Fashion Week says it’s proud to showcase a brand that promotes diversity.

Fashion beyond borders fashion show

“We are thrilled to work with Bezgraniz, and excited to be incorporating a design house that caters to an underserved demographic in an extremely stylish and functional aesthetic,” said Kim Krempien, fashion director of L.A. Fashion Week. “We aim to promote innovation, diversity and inclusion in all forms – and our partnership with Bezgraniz exemplifies this.”

In addition to the show, Bezgraniz will be holding an invitation only international forum on Oct. 3. Entitled Design For A New Customer, For A New Market, the forum will address industry experts, business leaders and stakeholders from around the globe on the importance of inclusivity of those with disabilities in the fashion industry.

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