Title: “Why Representation in Fashion Matters: From Runway to Real Life”
By Keisha Greaves, Founder of Girls Chronically Rock
When people think of fashion, they often picture glitzy runways, celebrity designers, and the latest trends. But for those of us living with disabilities, fashion means something deeper, it’s about visibility, identity, and empowerment.
As a Black woman with muscular dystrophy and the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, I’ve made it my mission to redefine what fashion can and should be. Adaptive clothing isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. But more than that, it’s a statement that says: we deserve to be seen, celebrated, and stylish—just as we are.
Adaptive fashion is more than function—it’s expression.
For too long, the fashion industry ignored people with disabilities, creating clothing that didn’t meet our needs or reflect our personalities. That’s why I design pieces that not only fit bodies of all kinds but speak to our experiences. T-shirts that say “Chronically Rock” aren’t just cool, they’re affirmations. They tell the world we’re here, and we’re thriving.
Representation creates ripple effects.
Every time someone sees a model in a wheelchair on the runway or a campaign featuring someone with a visible or invisible disability, something shifts. A young person watching might think, That could be me. That’s powerful. That’s the kind of change that motivates me to keep showing up, even on hard days.
We still have work to do.
Yes, we’ve made progress, but let’s be real: many brands still treat inclusion like a checkbox. True representation means hiring disabled creatives, consultants, and decision-makers, not just putting a disabled model in a photoshoot once a year. We need to be at the table, shaping the conversation.
Let’s keep pushing forward.
To my fellow warriors: your story matters. Your style matters. Whether you express yourself through fashion, art, advocacy, or just living boldly each day, you’re making a difference. And to the fashion industry: we’re not going anywhere. The future of fashion is adaptive, inclusive, and unapologetically real.
Because at the end of the day, we don’t just want to be seen, we want to be celebrated.