Empowering People with Disabilities Through Cross-Cultural Fashion Innovation
The Inclusive Community for Advocacy and Development (TICAD) partners with the Federal Council, Eurasian Women’s Forum, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, and Roscongress Foundation in a groundbreaking initiative at the 2025 Saint Petersburg Economic Forum (SPIEF) June 18-19, 2025: a special session and runway showcase dedicated to advancing adaptive clothing design for people with disabilities (PWDs). This pioneering event, the International Adaptive Clothing Design Contest, will unite global designers, producers, and advocates to highlight innovation, inclusivity, and cultural exchange in the fashion industry.
Event Overview
Runway Showcase: The ON WINGS PROJECT will feature a curated runway show and panel discussions spotlighting adaptive clothing that merges functionality with artistic expression. A unique focus will be placed on integrating African fashion into adaptive designs, fostering a dialogue between African and Eurasian traditions to celebrate shared cultural heritage while addressing the practical needs of PWDs.
Women-Led Innovation: Designers and manufacturers from Russia and worldwide are invited to showcase their work, share technical expertise, and collaborate on inclusive fashion solutions as TICAD Nigeria proudly nominates two pioneering female entrepreneurs from Nigeria’s fashion industry to participate (HOUSE OF DAACHI and MORENI WOMAN), showcasing their iconic adaptive designs. These trailblazers will represent Nigeria’s creativity and commitment to inclusive fashion, inspiring cross-cultural dialogue. Their presence will enrich the event by highlighting African innovations, fostering cross-continental partnerships, and amplifying the global narrative on disability inclusion. Details of the selection is published on the On Wings website linked here.
Strategic Collaboration: This initiative, supported by leading Russian institutions, underscores a commitment to social entrepreneurship, industrial innovation, and gender-inclusive economic growth. The Eurasian Women’s Forum and the Ministry of Industry and Trade will leverage their platforms to drive policy discussions, while Rosscongress ensures global visibility through its expansive network.
Impact and Vision: The event aims to redefine adaptive fashion as a catalyst for empowerment, dignity, and cultural unity by uniting diverse cultural perspectives. Participants will gain exposure, forge partnerships, and contribute to a growing movement that views disability not as a limitation but as a creative challenge demanding bold, inclusive solutions.
- Promoting inclusive fashion
- Encouraging the exchange of experiences and cultural traditions of different countries
- Socialization and aestheticization of the image of people with disabilities and other limitations in life activity
