SURREY - Local MLA Stephanie Cadieux is among models Thursday during a showcase of designs made by students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Three back-to-back-to-back grad fashion shows on April 24 will feature Kaylyn MacKenzie's designs for women in wheelchairs.
MacKenzie's designs will be modelled by Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development and also MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, along with her friends Kirsten Sharp, peer program co-ordinator for Spinal Cord Injury BC, and Teri Thorson, an ambassador with Rick Hansen Foundation.
"Kaylyn really understands the unique challenges in finding clothes that work well and are comfortable when seated and wheeling," Cadieux stated.
As part of her studies at KPU, MacKenzie was required to extensively research market demands, needs and niches in order to develop her YOU collection.
"With so few options for clothing that are up to date for those with disability, I decided to make my niche market female wheelchair users," MacKenzie stated. "Vancouver is very accommodating to those (who) live with occupational barriers in life, yet the only clothing lines available to those with disability are aimed at a mature market."
Thursday's shows, to be held at River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, will showcase works by 37 emerging designers. Tickets start at $18 via the website kpu.ca/theshow2014.