A very special fashion event took place on 17/7, where well-known stars from the entertainment, media, and fashion worlds became models for a moment and walked the runway alongside 28 people with disabilities. Judge and dancer Lea Yanai, newly engaged couple Tom Haimov and Shahar Chernes, radio personality Hadar Marks, stylist Yoav Meir, Instagram star Matan Hetzroni, and journalist Paz Robinzon – all walked together on the runway under the title “Everyone is Equal in Fashion – The Freedom to Choose, the Freedom to Be Me.”
The event is part of community leisure programming, funded by the Welfare Ministry, managed by AKIM Israel, and produced by fashion and styling figure Gala Rachmilevitch. Participants included residents from the housing frameworks of the Disabilities Administration, Department of Housing in the Welfare Ministry, aiming to convey the message that every person deserves expression, freedom, and true equality – in fashion as well as in social representation.
A Message of Equality and Inclusion
The event conveys a powerful message of equality and inclusion, emphasizing that fashion and beauty are not limited to a particular group of people. The participation of well-known celebrities alongside individuals with disabilities creates a powerful symbol of true equality.
The participants shone together on the runway, dressed in the best of Israeli fashion from two Israeli designers – Shay Sobol for the brand LAYOU and Hila Kochav for the brand Hilula. The choice to feature Israeli designs highlights the commitment to supporting the local fashion industry while also promoting an important social message.
The involvement of individuals from the housing programs of the Disabilities Administration highlights the importance of providing a platform for groups that often lack proper representation.
The event, produced by Gala Rachmilevitch, expresses the idea that fashion is a means of expression available to every person, regardless of their abilities or limitations. The message “The freedom to choose, the freedom to be me” underscores the importance of authenticity and equal opportunities for everyone to express themselves.