Models for a day: the show that proves that fashion is for everyone - voila! news

In the video: Fashion show for people with disabilities (Niv Aharonson)

A special and exciting fashion show took place today (Sunday) in Tel Aviv, where 25 members of AKIM, an organization that works to promote people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, became models for one day. As part of the show, the 25 new models took to the runway along with the best celebrities in Israel, including Hani Nahmias, Esti Zakheim, Ira Dolphin, Sarine Avraham, Liran Rosen, Yuli Manet, Evelyn Haimovich and network influencer Yoav Meir.

The exhibition took place at the EAST event hall in Tel Aviv, as part of the "Equal and Equal in Fashion" project, which takes place as part of the leisure project of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security and operated by the AKIM organization. The project provides leisure and cultural activities for people with intellectual disabilities who live in out-of-home housing throughout the country.

Hani Nahmias with models Makim (Photo: Niv Aharonson)

Akim's fashion show (Photo: Niv Aharonson)

Fashion show for women with disabilities, EAST Tel Aviv. May 21, 2023 (Photo: Niv Aharonson)

Chen Ben Shimon, a young woman who lives in Tel Aviv in an independent apartment and is about to be drafted, got on the track excitedly and said that her dream was to be a bride. "I had a lot of fun today. It was an exciting experience, I was a little nervous because I didn't know what it would be like. It wasn't easy, but it was fun," she said.

Lital, who lives in a shared apartment with Chen, also fulfilled a dream today: "I went on the runway with butterflies in my stomach because I wore a wedding dress and my dream is one day to get married and be a bride." Lital lives in an independent apartment in Tel Aviv with six other contestants, and studies fashion as part of her leisure venture. "I'm learning to match colors and what fits with which skirt so I've been a model for a long time," Little said happily.

Akim's fashion show (Photo: Niv Aharonson)

Hani Nahmias with models Makim (Photo: Niv Aharonson)

More in Walla!

• Surge in the Number of Women Combatants: Full IDF Recruitment Data
• Haredim went wild at the gymboree, Tzipi broke her elbow: "They don't take care - and it's escalating"
• Water burekas, quiche and pie of course: five worthwhile and delicious shopping recommendations for Shavuot

Yoav Meir, a network influencer and fashion designer himself, was excited by the special venture: "It was one of the most exciting days of my life, from the moment I arrived I couldn't stop tearing with excitement. As soon as Gala Rachmilevich approached me to take part, I didn't hesitate and agreed immediately," he said. "As a fashion designer, media person and social activist, there is no connection I love more than fashion and community. This display is an opening for diversity and love. To walk the track with men and women who have so much goodness and love in them is a privilege for me. I'm still euphoric about the show and hope it will impact the fashion world and raise awareness that fashion is for everyone and everyone," he said.

Evelyn Haimovich, who competed in the Race for a Million and took to the runway together with the new models, said: "Since my eldest child died of a genetic disease, I have a special sensitivity to special children, and when I am in the presence of such children it satisfies, rewards and excites me twice as much as it does to them. It's a great privilege for me to be here, to lift them up, to give them the best feeling in the world."

• news
• News in Israel
• Society and Welfare

Tags

• AKIM
• Fashion shows