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Runway of Dreams
In late 2015 Runway of Dreams popped up on my Facebook feed and caught my eye. I clicked. Thanks to Runway of Dreams Miss Bee had the opportunity to model adaptive clothing – a dream come true.
The Founder
Mindy Scheier began The Runway of Dreams Foundation in 2014. Mindy is the mom of a child with mobility challenges. Finding clothing that is functional and fashionable for my daughter Miss Bee was nearly impossible. Mindy’s foundation was “created to support charitable initiatives that promote adaptive clothing and the differently-abled throughout the fashion industry.”
Why Adaptive Clothing is Needed
I had never heard of adaptive clothing and quickly realized it could bring fashion freedom to my highly stylish, fashion-loving daughter. Miss Bee has an intellectual disability. Fine motor skills deficits cause fastening tops with small buttons to be challenging. Sensory processing disorder makes certain fabric textures and stitching intolerable.
Jeans that are slim enough to fit around Miss Bee’s waist but flexible enough for her to pull up without unfastening the fly are usually designed with such narrow legs it is too uncomfortable for her to squeeze her foot through.
For years, stretchy leggings were the only pants Miss Bee could tolerate. Walking into a clothing store where maybe 20% of the inventory works is not any fun and it is also anxiety-provoking. Once anxiety and frustration set in, trying on clothing results in Miss Bee dissolving into tears in the fitting room.
What is Adaptive Clothing
Clothing specifically adapted to make dressing easier is exactly what Miss Bee needs. All of the finishing touches are there, but magnets that fasten the clothing are hidden behind decorative buttons. The leg seams on jeans are not sewn shut down to the ankle. Instead, the seam ends just below the knee and magnets hold the pant leg together from the knee to the ankle. Feet slide through with ease.
Some pants designs include roomier legs to accommodate braces or a larger seat for more comfort for children in wheelchairs. Skinny jeans that are designed to make dressing easier – sign us up!!!
Clothing Tags Be Gone
Clothing tags replaced with stamps was revolutionary for anyone coping with sensory issues. Adaptive clothing takes this initial first step to a whole new level for the differently-abled.
How Our Family Found Runway of Dreams
I was so impressed with the Runway of Dreams’ mission to ensure fashion inclusivity that I commented on their Facebook page. Much to my surprise and delight, they wrote back. They thanked me for my input and asked for a photo of my daughter for their “Look Book.” This is a database of potential, differently-abled models.
I figured, why not, and sent in a photo. Several months later I received a call from Debbie at Runway of Dreams. Miss Bee was selected to model for the Tommy Hilfiger children’s spring adaptive clothing line photoshoot. They wanted to know if Miss Bee was interested in participating and how fast could we get to New York City. Oh, boy, was she!
Sensory Overload New York
New York is not an ideal city to visit with a child coping with sensory processing issues. I was born and raised in New Jersey and I love New York, but I avoided it for years. In order to have a successful trip, I inquired about bringing our service dog, Ned. The Runway of Dreams team asked for a photo of him. Ned is a photogenic, highly-trained, gentle giant. The next thing I know Ned was also invited to participate in the photoshoot.
Travel Plans
Reality check! We would need to travel across the country on short notice and maneuver my special needs child with her giant service dog around New York in the dead of winter. Burrrr, we are wimpy Angelenos. Leaving Miss Bee alone in our hotel room while I went in search of limited dog relief spots in a cement jungle during the freezing cold at night was not safe. Dragging Miss Bee with me guaranteed a meltdown the other guests in our close quarter’s hotel would hear.
I quickly realized I needed to bring reinforcements to ensure a successful trip. Aunt Beth to the rescue. My sister Beth lives in Denver and enjoys the cold. She joined our party. I have learned to travel with an extra pair of adult hands.
I handled Ned and Beth handled Miss Bee through the city streets and Ubers (big vehicle requests worked out great and every driver welcomed Ned).
Dress Rehearsal Fitting
The day before the photo shoot, we went to the studio for a fitting. When Miss Bee met the staff, tried on the Tommy Hilfiger clothing, and the practiced for the photoshoot, her dream come true. Hair and makeup were great fun for my fashionista. We could get back on the plane and go home.
Even the lobby staff in the building where the studio was located were kind. Maneuvering the rotating glass doors with a ninety-six-pound dog was not possible. They directed us to another entrance.
The outfit selected for the photo shoot looked so great, we purchased it online. Everyone from Runway of Dreams and Tommy Hilfiger was kind and patient with all of the young models. Both children and adults received lots of Ned love. We had extended family in New Jersey and they joined us for the day. They watched the event.
A Trip to Remember
We were honored to participate in this wonderful and inclusive Tommy Hilfiger photo shoot. Meeting Mindy was an honor. Miss Bee had an adaptive clothing modeling dream come true.
The differently-abled can finally wear beautiful clothing that fits and looks great thanks to Runway of Dreams. When I met Mindy, she had a dream of participating in Fashion Week. Mindy met her goal in September 2018 when differently-abled models walked the runway in September 2018.
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