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Reading: Fashion Week Event Called Out For Wheelchair Runway Fail
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B&T > Marketing > Fashion Week Event Called Out For Wheelchair Runway Fail
Marketing

Fashion Week Event Called Out For Wheelchair Runway Fail

Staff Writers
Published on: 11th June 2021 at 10:28 AM
Staff Writers
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Afterpay Australian Fashion Week organisers have come under fire one of its shows featured disabled models struggling to move in their wheelchairs.

The runway show was an IMG Focus production that featured both brands P.E Nation and Camilla.

The runway was covered in streamers, making it hard and at times impossible for the disabled models to move.

Videos of the runway have since gone viral, with both brands being criticised for failing to create an accessible runway.

A TikTok user captured the difficulties model and Olympian Reed McCracken at the fashion show.

@theexampleau

Stressed out for #paralympian Rheed McCracken during this show… #australianathlete #fashionweekaus

♬ Blade Runner 2049 – Synthwave Goose

The kaftan queen and designer for Camilla, Camilla Franks, ran onto the stage at her show when model Lisa Cox’s wheelchair got stuck in the streamers, according to Pedestrian.

Franks then pushed Cox in her wheelchair, so the model was able to get through the runway.

Megan Pustetto, host of the podcast Oh So Dramatic, called out the inaccessible runway on Instagram, accusing the brands of ableism.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SO DRAMATIC! (@sodramaticpodcast

Franks responded to Pustetto on Instagram, claiming the designers did not produce the show.

“There was nothing on the runway at the rehearsal, and it was to our surprise to see it covered in streamers upon the doors opening,” she said.

“Shame on you for not celebrating an amazing moment and shame to any reputable publication that reposts this rubbish.”

Cox addressed the criticism on her own Instagram.

“To all concerned about my safety on the runway as I closed the finale at Australian Fashion Week last Friday, please refer to exhibit A above.⁠ As shown, I was safe and having the absolute time of my phucking life!⁠”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lisa Cox (@lisacox.co)

McCracken has yet to make a public comment about the backlash, but posted a photo of himself on the runway with the caption “future of fashion”.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rheed McCracken (@rheedmccracken)

Disabled creator and influencer Keely B spoke with Fashion Journal about the incident: “It isn’t inclusive if it isn’t accessible for disabled people. I don’t want to see disabled people struggle to use their mobility aids. That isn’t [a] representation of disabled people.

“They also clearly knew it wasn’t safe, as the other model in the show needed to be pushed. But [they] still went ahead with the runway the way it was. They never actually cared about the disabled people in their show.”

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TAGGED: Australian Fashion Week, inclusive, p.e nation, pip edwards
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Staff Writers
By Staff Writers
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Staff Writers represent B&T's team of award-winning reporters. Here, you'll find articles crafted with industry experience spanning over 50 years. Our team of specialists brings together a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to delivering insightful, topical, and breaking news. With a deep understanding of advertising and media, our Staff Writers are dedicated to providing industry-leading analysis and reporting, both shaping the conversation and setting the benchmark for excellence.

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