We’re excited to celebrate 10 years of Runway of Dreams revolutionizing fashion and our second year of partnership with the organization. In 2023, we launched VS & PINK Adaptive collections, and we couldn’t have thought of a better way to show it to the world than through the Runway of Dreams event. This year, we returned to the NY-based show on September 9, 2024, and received the award for adaptive product innovation. We’re honored to continue this work with our inspiring partners at ROD this year and beyond.
Meet Mindy Scheier
Read on and get to know the founder of the Runway of Dreams foundation and learn a bit more about the event.
Q: We want to learn a little about you—where are you from? How did you get into modeling? How about a fun fact?
A: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 52 years, it’s how to keep life interesting! When I’m not trying to perfect my yoga poses or searching for the Netflix show binge, you can usually find me diving deep into the “How I Built THIS with Guy Raz” podcast—because who doesn’t love BIG SUCCESS STORIES with their morning latte?”
Q: Tell us about your experience with the Runway of Dreams Fashion Show. How has the collaboration between VS&Co and Runway of Dreams evolved in its second year?
A: “Since I founded Runway of Dreams over a decade ago, watching our fashion shows evolve each year has been incredibly rewarding and life altering. This year, our collaboration with VS&Co, FIT, and Runway of Dreams has elevated the game. In its second year, VS&Co’s commitment to adaptive fashion has not only deepened but has also enhanced the scope and impact of our show. The partnership has allowed us to showcase an even broader range of adaptive and universally designed apparel, reflecting the growing influence of inclusivity in fashion.”
Q: What does the 10 Years of Fashion Revolution Show represent and mean to you? What has been the most rewarding part of working on this project?
A: “It represents a decade of groundbreaking work in promoting inclusion and accessibility within the fashion industry for people with disabilities. It is a testament to the progress we have made, and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to drive real change. For me, the most rewarding part of working on this project has been seeing the tangible impact of our efforts on both the industry and individuals.”
Q: How do you see adaptive fashion influencing the broader industry in the coming years?
A: “By setting new standards for inclusivity and functionality. As more brands embrace adaptive design, we’ll likely see a shift towards more universally designed products that cater to a wider range of needs. This growing acceptance will encourage other designers and companies to innovate and prioritize accessibility, leading to a more inclusive fashion landscape where everyone, regardless of ability, can express themselves confidently and comfortably.”
Meet Runway of Dreams Model, Nia Renee
Learn more about the certified relationship coach and her life in and out of the spotlight.
Q: We want to learn a little about you—where are you from? How did you get into modeling?
A: “I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I started modeling because I was told so much as a child that I was tall and had long legs and to consider it. I did smaller shoots, and I realized I liked who I became when I modeled.”
Q: How does lingerie make you feel?
A: “Lingerie makes me feel so proud to be in my skin. Body positivity is something that I’ve always been a champion for. And being comfortable in your own skin is so important. When I put on lingerie, I put it on for me. I don’t wear it for anyone else.”
Q: What is your favorite feature of the new VS & PINK Adaptive Bra? Can you describe how the adaptive collection makes you feel when wearing it?
A: “I love that inclusivity of it first, I’ll start there. I am someone who suffers from osteoarthritis and left body weakness due to my brain conditions. So, it’s amazing to see a huge name brand company creating items that are inclusive and still have that sexy feel that helps us maintain that level of confidence we deserve to feel. I feel confident, comfortable, sexy, and seen.”
Q: How has being part of this event impacted your views on fashion and representation?
A: “I haven’t stopped crying at the impact that it has already made on the community that I’ve built with my supporters and fellow chronic illness baddies. I’ve always wanted to walk runway but I’m a disabled model who is also considered “plus size”. But when I got the call from ROD, I couldn’t stop smiling and crying! It’s finally all starting to feel INCLUSIVE.”
Victoria’s Secret & PINK Adaptive
We were proud to launch this new collection in October 2023 in partnership with GAMUT management, a consulting and talent company that works exclusively with and for people with disabilities.
Through this collaboration, we listened to, engaged with, and learned from women in the community. Now, with another year of educating ourselves under our belt, we’ve expanded our collection with new colors in both VS and PINK product.
Additionally, our products have earned the GAMUT Seal of Approval, and we’re the first intimates apparel brand ever to earn this prestigious certification.
What Makes These Products Adaptive?
We took the fashion, comfort, and quality of our best-selling Body by Victoria and Wear Everywhere collections, collaborated, and tested with people with disabilities. From there, we transformed them into functional, adaptive products featuring the below details:
- Magnetic closures for easy on and off
- Sensory-friendly fabric
- One-piece construction with a smoothing back wing
- Fully adjustable and convertible front straps