Bengaluru: “Beauty lies in the eye of beholder”, but this phrase surrenders infront of paradoxical relativity between beauty and perfection. In order to discover and revive the meaning of beauty which runs beyond the skin 30 Differently Abled models walked the ramp at ‘Walk With A Difference’ fashion pageant 2016 and broke all stereotypes.

‘Walk With A Difference’ (WWAD), a fashion show initiative by AIMS Media tried to bring disabled models of all shapes and sizes to the fashion runways. This year AIMS Media organized the second season of WWAD at Christ University, Bengaluru. Along with the fashion show, the most important thing was the official launch of "Disabled Mannequins" dedicated to last year’s show finalists.

 Disabled Mannequins launched at WWAD 2016 (Source: AIMS Media)

While talking to ABP Live, Rakesh Dhasmana, CEO AIMS Media says , “The launch of  Disabled Mannequins is the modern move of inclusion and awareness.”

“Our vision is to create a society which is empathetic towards the PwD, supports equality and does not shrink from giving them an opportunity to create a niche for themselves and walk with their heads held high”, he adds.

 Rakesh Dhasmana, CEO AIMS Media

AIMS Media is working with Divyangs having special needs and disabilities under the ‘Mission of building an Inclusive-Accessible Society’.

The event was graced by astounding performance by visually challenged persons of ‘Articulate Disability Organization’.

Under the ‘Pagdi and Wedding’ theme they showcased their talents in the field of fashion and clothing.

 Glimpse of the fashion show. (Source: AIMS Media)

“In the beginning, manufacturing of disabled mannequins is outsourced by companies who have already made such models in the past but we guided them on body shape, dye and character”, Rakesh tells ABP Live.

Talking further on the concept of Disabled Mannequins, Dhasmana says, “This year we have launched three mannequins of Cerebral Palsy and Locomotors Disabilities. In the coming year we have plans to launch mannequins of other disabilities too and dedicate to WWAD finalists”

 Source: AIMS Media

“On a later stage we will be developing mannequins with the help of 3D printer and experiment with other materials like plastic and rubber”, he adds.

3D models of differently abled were designed with the help of high-end softwares like Autodesk and Maya. A stainless steel plate is hooked onto the mannequins carrying a brief description about the disability and the person to whom they are dedicated.

 Participants of WWAD 2016 (Source: AIMS Media)

Disabled Mannequins launched will be given to retail outlets for display in store windows. Opportunities like these help disables explore new arenas for employment and lay emphasis on their needs and requirements.

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