Gok Wan’s Latest Models Direct A Change In Attitude About Disability
The new series focuses on women with disabilities and issues with body confidence and Wan hopes that it will send out a message to millions of viewers about how the fashion industry should be approaching fashion for the disabled. It also highlights the need for a more inclusive approach in fashion around this issue, and it looks to have made a great start.
Models Direct have always believed that fashion should be accessible for all and sees the series as another positive step from Channel Four. The only shame is that as a society we are still not yet at a stage where disabled women would naturally be included in such a series. Despite this, it is fantastic to see Gok Wan working his magic on more ladies who have concerns with their bodies and how to flatter them most, and he does a fantastic job as usual.
More representation of the disabled is required in the fashion and entertainment industries in order to address the issues raised in ‘How to look good naked…with a difference’. However, Models Direct are encouraged by stories like that of Kelly-Marie Stewart (of ‘Hollyoaks’)
Last year, Kelly spoke to ‘Disability Now’ about her role in the Channel Four soap.
“There are so many conditions that people aren’t aware of and have never heard of,” she pointed out. “This is a good way of raising awareness of disability generally. People still seem to see a wheelchair as a problem [when trying to work in acting] but, in this day and age, it’s not.”
She goes on “I’ve been in a chair for two-and-a-half years and have never been turned down for something because of it”.
Kelly-Marie attended theatrical academies Liverpool Theatre School and Elliot Clarke. She modelled for several designers and appeared in television adverts before landing her role in the soap.
“They weren’t looking for someone with an impairment when the role was cast,” she says in her interview.
So how does she feel about current opportunities in fashion and entertainment for the disabled?
“If it’s within reason to make adaptations, anyone should be allowed to do whatever they want to.
“Sure, I’ve been on aeroplanes and I realise that maybe someone like me couldn’t be a stewardess, but if you want to act or do something like work in the police, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to.”
(http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
