MS Focus on Fashion brings style and dignity to the runway
Adaptive designs foster confidence, inclusivity
Models at 2024's MS Focus on Fashion pose for a picture. (Courtesy of Multiple Sclerosis Foundation)
When the lights come up at the MS Focus on Fashion gala, the runway will be more than a showcase for beautiful designs.
The Nov. 14 event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be a celebration of confidence and connection for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to Michele Austin, fund development coordinator at MS Focus.
“Being fashionable is key in fostering positive self-esteem,” she says, “and in allowing people with MS to continue to live their lives with grace and strength.”
Hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the gala brings together adaptive fashion and philanthropy to raise funds for support programs for people living with MS.
While mainstream fashion has made strides toward size inclusivity, Austin says, accessibility for people with disabilities is still progressing.
“The biggest challenge in making adaptive clothing accessible for people with MS is that multiple sclerosis affects everyone differently,” she says. “Some individuals struggle with overheating, others with dexterity, and others still with traditional shoes or the height of heels.”
Dressing for MS success
Among this year’s highlights is the collaboration with designer Nancy Volpe Beringer, known for her commitment to zero-waste couture and inclusive design.
“She believes fashion can empower individuals,” Austin says. “In all of her initial conversations with the models, she sought to find out what made them feel wonderful, what made them feel beautiful, and how they wanted clothing to make them feel.”
For people with diverse mobility or sensory needs, couture tailoring offers a sense of individuality.
“Couture clothing by definition is tailored specifically for the individual, and that is even more important when a designer is working with different people who have discrete challenges,” Austin says.
The 2025 fashion show, a follow-up to last year’s inaugural event, also spotlights collections from adaptive clothing company MagnaReady. MagnaReady creates off-the-rack options with hidden magnetic closures for ease of dressing.
“Where Nancy improves access to fashion by tailoring it to individuals’ needs, brands like MagnaReady improve access by providing an adaptive product that’s ready-made,” Austin says.
MS advocate Nicole Pedra will be given an award in memory of Sean Giblin, whose spirit continues to inspire the foundation.
“Sean was truly a powerhouse who would call and text people every day to check in with them,” Austin says. “Nicole is following in his footsteps with her presence on social media. It’s incredible how many people are learning what it is like to live not just with MS, but with any chronic disease, from her stories and humor.”
Austin hopes the event will inspire the broader fashion industry to embrace adaptability. And she’s excited about the power of connection between people living with MS and the rest of the audience.
The fashion show “will be a place where they can come together and move into the future together,” she says. “I think they are going to be amazed when they see our community in person.”
About the Author
