Fashion Without Limits a smashin’ success – CPABC hosts fashion show for people with disabilities

Fashion Without Limits: Diversity in Motion proved a memorable night at Port Moody’s Old Orchard Hall on November 1, 2017. This first-ever event was held by the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC (CPABC) in recognition of Canada 150, and brought together members the disability community for fashion and art.

The show begins

Local businesswoman and Fashion Without Limits emcee Tabassum Chagani opened the show with inspirational remarks on what fashion and disability are all about. Tabassum expressed the best of the event’s goals and intentions and was a natural and gifted emcee. She invited City of Maple Ridge councillor Craig Speirs to the floor for a few words of welcome.

With the introduction well presented, it was time for the main show: a celebration of fashion and self-expression. The models outshone themselves showcasing the latest fashion design and expressing their graceful selves.

Each and every individual is unique and different. Their beauty is a multi-facet prism glass that reflects the light in various ways.

A standout of the evening was CPABC member and artist, AJ Brown. She was very excited to participate in the show, and stepped down the runway like the true model she was. AJ owned the moment and offered many poses for the photo-hungry photographers and captivated audience, with each pose showing off her unique style. AJ looked cheerful and content; her bright smile was everything she needed to bring to the show.

A total of eight models participated in the show and wore designs by Aiki District, Karen Chan, Maneli Nourbakhsh, F as in Frank, Okalani, Herschel Supply Co., RYU, Sans Soucie, Schindler Associates Showroom and TKC Design Inc. Hair and makeup were provided by Blanche Macdonald and Future Hair Training Center

Honoring Jason and Rand

Next came an inspirational speech from visionary duo Jason Cole and Rand Surbey. The pair gracefully accepted the announcement that the CPABC equipment subsidy fund would be re-named the Jason & Rand Fund in honour of their achievements. A series of topics such as community development, diversity and inclusion were presented in the speech. The Jason & Rand Fund will empower members of our community to reach further goals and live Life Without Limits.

Enchanted by dance

After a networking break for guests to chat and enjoy refreshments, Olesia Kornienko and Arnold Ip claimed the stage with their graceful rumba dance. Everyone was enchanted by the slow, romantic music and excellent performance of the couple. The dynamics of Arnold and Olesia balanced perfectly, showing that not just fashion but dance sports can be inclusive of people with disabilities.

Great reviews

Fashion Without Limits guest Derrel expressed his enjoyment of the evening. When asked about his favorite part of the show, he said he liked it all equally. The models and participants did “a very good job,” Derrell said. “It was all very entertaining.”

CPABC Programs Coordinator Lindsay Macleod feels the event promoted bonding for the community. “It brings everybody together. I think it’s for nice for our community, and shows such diversity.” Introducing Port Moody residents to CPABC’s resources was also a good outcome from this event, according to Lindsay.

The event marked a successful and fun night for everyone who participated. The applause, the laughs, the conversations were all part of an exceptional experience for the community. Thank you to the sponsors, models and more than 30 volunteers who contributed to the event – we were grateful to have you accompany us on our journey and couldn’t have done this without you!