Fashion is a creative medium and source of individuality, identity, and expression for many people. The roots of fashion spread far and wide across cultures and generations carrying a different meaning through everyone’s unique lens.
The global fashion industry continues to evolve rapidly, not only in response to the Covid-19 pandemic but to larger mass movements around sustainability and fair trade.
Inclusivity as a movement in the fashion world continues to develop too. In recent years we have seen Ellie Goldstein, a British model with Down Syndrome appear on the covers of Allure, Glamour and ELLE magazines and she continues to be an ambassador for accessibility and inclusivity in the fashion and beauty worlds.
The representation of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the fashion industry continues to grow too with brave representatives proudly sharing their voices to the masses.
Danish fashion model Nina Marker is one of those people. She made her mark while strutting the runway of Milan Fashion Week in 2017. While in the spotlight for brands like Versace, Fendi and Max Mara she took time out to post a message of inclusivity to her large online following.
Rocking a t-shirt that said, “Bee Kind, I Have Autism,” Marker reminded her followers that those with ASDs can achieve their dreams.
She has gone on to grow her following, develop her career as a supermodel and continues to be an ambassador for ASD awareness and inclusivity.
Another post by Marker on Instagram in March 2021 reads: “Still autistic and cute. I kinda love speaking about my autism, I feel like it makes a difference. It’s been such a journey and discovery of self love and recognition of my boundaries. I’m grateful for my diagnosis, without it I wouldn’t know where I would find myself. I hope all of you find yourselves, and your greatness. I never fit in and always felt wrong before I was told I have Asperger’s syndrome. What I’m trying to say, is don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel like something inside of you is wrong. Because it’s definitely not. It’s yet to be defined. We’re all just discovering ourselves.”
Marker was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 15. She experienced issues in her educational and personal life. She was discovered in a McDonald’s when she was 16 and has modelled for some of the world’s biggest brands including Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna and Stella McCartney to name a few.
She regularly speaks about her experiences with autism and believes that creating awareness and understanding in society will help children to be diagnosed and helped earlier in life.
The movement towards a more inclusive world that creates a safe and understanding society for people with ASD is a constant work in progress.
This World Autism Awareness Day we show our support and continue to move towards that inclusive world with leaders like Nina Marker blazing the trail forward in fashion with the belief in everyone’s intrinsic value and ability to succeed in a world of neurodiversity.
#LightItUpBlue #WorldAutismAwarenessDay
