Dozens of models with Down syndrome took to the catwalk in Bucharest for a fashion show celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala, held at the Romexpo centre, featured designs created by 50 seamstresses from across Romania for young people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
Georgeta Bucur, president of the Down Plus Association Bucharest, which organised the event, said the costumes were made without fittings. 'The costumes were created without anyone trying them on,' she said. 'But the most important thing is that the people gathered together again. This event is really special ... it’s the most beautiful thing that could happen.'
For 19-year-old Antonia Voicu, wearing a puffy green netted dress and a crown of red roses, the experience was a dream come true. 'I feel like I’m always fashionable, and I like to strike a pose,' she said. Her caretaker, Diana Negres, described the event as 'a big step' for Antonia, who had always dreamed of 'being a star' parading on stage.
Organiser Cristina Bucur, a seamstress with a child with a disability, said the idea came from wanting other children to experience a fashion show. 'I wanted the other children to see what it’s like to wear a costume during a fashion show, what it’s like to be cheered on stage,' she said. 'They enjoy it enormously because they see that someone looks at them, that someone does something for them.'
In Romania, about 12,000 people have Down syndrome, according to the Romania Down Syndrome Federation. World Down Syndrome Day, observed on 21 March, aims to raise awareness and ensure equal freedoms and opportunities for people with Down syndrome. This year’s theme is combating loneliness, which the World Down Syndrome Day website notes can be a common and painful experience for many with the condition.
