New York Fashion Week was held a few weeks ago in September and it looked really cool! There were a lot of celebrities strutting their stuff on the runway modeling new designs. But there was one show in particular that really stood out and made headlines everywhere. It was the runway of Carrie Hammer and her show called Role Models Not Runway Models.
Carrie Hammer is a fashion designer. Her brand, Carrie Hammer, is a custom clothing line for modern, professional women who want to feel empowered inside and out. She already sounds awesome, right? Read on.
Three years ago, when Carrie was asked which models she was going to cast for her runway, she was stuck. She wasn’t into the idea of picking young, “perfect” women. She felt that all of her clients are role models and that she didn’t need to have standard runway models. She went to UCLA and studied Economics and Womens studies and using everything that she learned through her years of studies, a lightbulb went off in her head. She found the perfect concept for her runway – role models, not runway models.
One of the first women that Carrie approahed for her runway was Karen Crespo. Karen wrote Carrie a thank you letter talking about how she had been diagnosed with severe Menangitis which resulted in having all her limbs amputated. She now wears prosthetic arms and legs. Karen said that she couldn’t seem to find clothes that made her feel beautiful. She felt insecure about her body. That was until she found Carrie’s line of clothes and accesories. Carrie’s designs made Karen feel empowered, beautiful and confident. Carrie immediantley wrote her back and asked her to be a part of Role Models, Not Runway Models.
Carrie contineued to approach role modes for her show that in the end was made up of 27 role models who walked and rocked the New York Fashion Week runway! Some of the role models included:
- Meryl Davis: Olympic Figure Skater and Gold Medalist
- Avani Patel: CEO and Founder of Trendseeder
- La Niece Collins: Communications & Advocacy Advisor, United Nations
- Jess Weiner: CEO and Founder of Talk To Jess LLC, a consulting firm that advises global brands on the issues facing women and girls today
- Jamie Brewer: Actress and first model with down syndrome
- Tayla Colton: Senior Director of Programs at Keep A Child Alive
These are just a few of the role models that killed it on the runway. I love that Carrie did this and showcased successful women who have done amazing and empowering things with their lives. As far as I’m concerned, Carrie herself is one of those inspiring women.
As a young woman, I believe that we need to seek and highlight role models that inspire us to follow our dreams and passions. The most powerful role models are often people in our everyday lives who are making a difference. Role models can be teachers, parents, coaches, mentors, and people like Carrie Hammer who break barriers and challenge the status quo.
Carrie, thank you for being the person that you are and for letting role models show their beauty, inside and out.
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