The Fashion Show for All Abilities is on indefinite hiatus.
Wisconsin Film School 2010 Documentary on the Fashion Show for All Abilities
Jim Carrier, President
Origins: Chantel’s story
The Fashion Show began in 2007 as a community awareness event: To promote accessibility and respect for all persons, including people with intellectual and physical differences, in a retail set
ting. The scope of this Fashion Show has grown by leaps and bounds since then. With this event, we hope to change attitudes, promote inclusion, and grow self-esteem and confidence in the models themselves. Models in the fashion show come from every walk of life, and models with and without labeled “disabilities” are encouraged to participate.
The idea behind the Fashion Show for All Abilities came from a young woman named Chantel Brown who had wanted to be a model from a young age. Early on, Chantel developed portfolios to showcase her talent and abilities. Several years ago, she suffered an anoxic brain injury. She now relies on a wheelchair to get around – and she hasn’t let this stop her from pursuing her dream. In 2007, Chantel rallied help from her friends, loved ones, and the Waisman Center to organize the first ever Fashion Show for All Abilities in Madison.
History
In the past 11 years, 375 men, women, and children of all ages and abilities have been given a chance to experience a taste of Chantel’s dream. These models have worked with over 70 retail outlets, and met with countless salespersons, stylists, photographers, media, volunteers, and other community members. For many models, this event is one of the major highlights of the year.
With an average audience of 500 people each year, the goal of the event is to reach a broad range of people to change attitudes and support inclusion in the community.
Emcees: Jonathan Suttin, Triple M Radio and Rachel Friedman, DCHS
DJ: Lasisi Ibrahim
Stylists:
Anaala Salon and Spa, Atwood
Bonnie Ready
2017 Participating Retailers:
Banana Republic
W Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Boomerangs Resale Store
1133 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI
Boston Store
36 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Capitol Kids
8 S Carroll St, Madison, WI
Catherines Plus Sizes
7429 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI
Chico’s
1651 Deming Way Ste. 102, Middleton, WI
Dressbarn
141 E Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Eddie Bauer
66 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Evolve
Farm & Fleet
600 Hometown Circle, Verona, WI
Gap Kids
56 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Gap
58 West Towne Mall, Madison, WI
Goodwill Industries
Locations throughout South Central Wisconsin
LuLaRoe
LuAnders Boutique
7432 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI
LuLaRoe
Marshalls Store
1700 Deming Way Ste 106, Middleton, WI
2117 Zeier Rd, East Towne Plaza, Madison WI
Maurices
138 E Towne Mall, Madison, WI
1621 Deming Way Ste 106, Middleton, WI
Men’s Wearhouse
7874 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI
3908 E Washington Ave, Madison WI
Moments to Cherish
303 E Verona Ave, Verona WI
NBZ Apparel
Nedrebo’s Formal Wear
601 Junction Rd, Madison WI
Neena
1823 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI
Old Navy
239 Junction Road, Madison, WI
Orvis
1650 Deming Way, Middleton, WI
Re-Threads
6664 Odana Road, Madison, WI
Shopko
7401 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI
2201 Zeier Road, Madison, WI
2101 West Broadway, Monona, WI
Simply Savvy
6333 University Ave., Suite 102, Middleton, WI
St. Vincent dePaul Stores
1309 Williamson Street, Madison, WI
Suzen Sez
2421 University Ave, Madison, WI