photo by Iryna Shostak Photography
After a few years hiatus, DreamWalk is back to continue their mission to break stereotypes and societal restrictions on the runway. In 2017, this body positive and inspiring fashion show was created by two “bite-sized” sisters, Alyse and Lexi Scaffidi, who wanted to celebrate diversity, and bring to the spotlight people’s stories and the differences that make us all beautiful.
“After watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and not fitting the typical model criteria, we decided to make our own show that included women of all shapes and sizes” said the sisters. “Let’s have all of the glamor, the performances, the glitz and glam – and change the way people think about fashion”.
The models, also referred to as “Dreamers”, come from all walks of life. With no physical criteria or formal casting process to participate, Dreamers of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, setbacks, sexualities, and disabilities come together to share their experiences, authenticity, and individuality while “making a difference by being different.”
“We are here to represent the 99% of the people who don’t look like the standard model,” said Lexi. “There is no one size or specific mold you need to fit. We don’t believe people should be left out based on their differences, but rather brought together.”
Grabbing the attention of top outlets like Women’s Health, SELF, Huffington Post and Cosmopolitan, the event has made a big statement worldwide, garnering over 45+ million views on social media and inspiring hundreds of articles around the globe.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 4 foot tall, 6 foot tall, 100 pounds or 250 pounds, if you are twenty or are sixty “said Alyse. “You are beautiful and the story, the scars, the things that make you distinct are what make you beautiful.”
Over the years, the community has gotten behind the sisters’ mission, by donating their space, services, and time to make the event a reality. The models even create their own costumes – all believing in the same message – to inspire body confidence, explore your creativity and follow your dreams.
Tickets are now available for this year’s show, taking place on Saturday, February 24th from 1-3PM at Fabrika in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the nonprofit Canine Companions, a national organization that provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities at no charge to the recipient.
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