Ableism pervades the fashion system; by design, fashion is held as a place where the ‘perfected’ ideals of expression can be created. Yet, perfection is an abstract and bizarre concept; it holds no real weight, because it is subjective, or most likely non-existent. More interesting than perfection, is multiplicity; it is that we live in a world where every shape, pattern – person, plant – animal or design, is a feat of the inherent beauty and creativity of existence.
Fashion has forgotten this in so many ways; from its racist, rigid and discriminatory practices, to the exclusive use of white, thin and able bodied models. Fashion has forgotten that in selling us a very shallow and oppressive ideal – it is essentially selling us only illusion, and even in its attempt to realising sartorial dreams, so much has been missing. Change is forthcoming, though, and never has there been more of a demand for fashion & beauty to reflect the diversity and richness of different people; different ways the body can take shape, the vast ways in which human beings are expressed in the world. When brands like Collina Strada featured Aaron Rose Johnson on their runway; it signalled a new era, in which disabled people are finally being paid the respect that they have always, always deserved. Now, there is a push for ‘adaptive fashion’ – where designers are being asked to design with varying bodies in mind; this is an exceptionally exciting arena in which fashion gets to dream and design with so many ways of the body at the forefront, in collaboration with disabled people, needs and desires to have choices in style and taste.
‘For the Fearless’ is a film that speaks to precisely this. Laura Ashleigh Meyer‘s incredible passion and determination to embrace life in all its glory teaches us what it means to be fearless, in a film brought together by creative studio we_are ; This film is for the fearless, and a celebration of bravery and beauty.
Having been born with a spinal defect, Laura has had to overcome daily struggles and barriers of inclusion. These challenges are very apparent in the beauty and fashion industries, where the pursuit of a perceived ideal and ableism have been the status quo for decades. As a model and fashion designer, Laura hopes to give representation to the disabled community. Although we have come a long way, there is still an incredible amount of work to be done to normalise inclusivity and representation. Through the work of individuals like Laura, who have devoted their platform to expanding the standards of beauty, we’re moving forward.
Laura’s goal, through projects like ‘For the Fearless’, is to rewrite the narrative around differently-abled peoples, in which inclusion, acceptance, accessibility replace ableism and exclusivity. This film is dedicated to the pioneers, the allies, the fearless leaders. It is for those breaking glass ceilings and embracing their confidence, thereby allowing others to do the same. ‘For the Fearless’ as a catalyst for larger conversations around representation in the fashion and beauty worlds.
/// Credits:
Starring : Laura Meyer represented by Topco Models
Directed by : Dillon Buirski
Produced by : we are_
Produced by : Calvin Shushu | Anja Marais | Samantha Lowe | Mardi Buhrmann
Shot by : Nicol Dippenaar
Assisted by : Thaakir Ackerman
Lighting by : Grant Forbes | John Mureymi | Siegfried Krull
Grips : by Elrick Davids | Shalton Lewis
Art by : Jako van Heerden
Styling by : Robynne Kahn
HMU by : Richard Wilkinson
Garments by : Shana Morland
Jewellery by : Kirsten Goss
Offline Edit by : Luka Scott
Online Edit by : Kyle Stroebel
Sound Design by : Bart Larter
Written by: Holly Beaton
Published: 6 February 2023
