Disabled mannequins, a tribute for differently abled because not everyone is 'perfect'

New Delhi: In an attempt to become flawless we often get obsessed with the fashion world and turn blindfold for reality. We forget that ‘humans come in all shapes and sizes’. If the mannequins displayed in storefronts are an example of our perfect body shape, then we should all be curveless, without extra body fat bulging out. ‘Walk With A Difference’ (WWAD), a fashion show initiative by AIMS Media Institute is trying to bring disabled models of all shapes and sizes to the fashion runways. This year AIMS Media is organizing the second season of WWAD fashion pageant in Bangalore. Along with the fashion show there will be launching of ‘Disabled mannequins’ dedicated to the show finalists. After accurate measurements of the fashion show finalists, 3D characters will be fibre-crafted to mirror their bodies and then given to retail outlets for display in store windows. Glimpse of WWAD 2015 Between the perfect mannequins, there will be figures with various disabilities modelling the latest fashions evoking astonished looks from onlookers. While talking to ABP Live, CEO and founder Rakesh Dhasmana says, “The idea and motive behind creating mannequins based on real people with disabilities is to raise awareness specifically in the realm of fashion and to develop a society which supports equality”. Rakesh Dhasmana, CEO, AIMS Media Institute “We want to create sensitization and recognition of the finalists with various disabilities”, he adds. 3D characters of mannequins are made irrespective of individual identity but keeping in mind the various categories of disabilities like Autism, Locomotor, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Disabilities, Down Syndrome etc. They will be given different look after the finalists of the fashion show are declared. “In the beginning, manufacturing is outsourced by companies who have already made such models in the past but we are guiding them on body shape, dye and character”, Rakesh tells ABPLive. “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 character of a person suffering with Cerebral Palsy According to research done by AIMS Media Institute, “Across the globe, ‘Pro Infirmis’ of Switzerland is the only organization so far who successfully launched disabled mannequins on ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’. 3D models of differently abled are designed with the help of high-end softwares like Autodesk and Maya. A stainless steel plate will be hooked onto the mannequins carrying a brief description about the disability and the person to whom they are dedicated. This year AIMS Media is organizing the second season of WWAD fashion pageant in Bangalore. Final date for audition is 22nd October 2016 at School Vivekananda, Bangalore and finale is on 5th November 2016 at Christ University, Bangalore. For online registrations log on to wwad.belltechnology.in Also Read: 3D printer adds a feather on cap for special children Inclov, first matchmaking app for differently abled