FashionABLE: Changing Lives Through Fashion
Editor & Photographer: Leslie Foley
FashionABLE, a program created by Spina Bifida Texas, has been redefining beauty and inclusion on the runway for 17 years. This inspiring annual event features models with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and visible differences, wearing clothing modified to fit their unique needs. The designs are brought to life by high school fashion students, who learn more than just sewing—they gain real-world lessons in empathy, adaptive design, and the power of representation. Together, they create fashion that is as functional as it is fabulous.
More than a show, FashionABLE is a movement: it challenges outdated norms and celebrates individuality, turning the spotlight on those who are too often left out of the fashion conversation. From elegant gowns to edgy streetwear, every look is a statement of confidence, strength, and authenticity. For both the models and the student designers, FashionABLE is a life-changing experience—and for audiences, it’s a beautiful reminder that style has no limits.
