Stefanie Reid Is The First British Amputee Model To Walk At London Fashion Week
Stefanie Reid, European champion long jumper, has made history during this season’s London Fashion Week by being the first British amputee model to take to the catwalk, opening Lenie Boya’s collection show at Charing Cross Hotel.
Prior to the event, Reid said “I am so excited to walk for Lenie,” says Reid. “I don’t look like your standard runway model, but I think that is the point. My artificial leg didn’t faze Lenie at all – instead she has embraced it as another creative outlet“.
“Lenie started with me as a blank canvas, and created some amazing pieces for me to wear to fit my individuality. It seems obvious, but too often it is the other way round: you are told to first be a size zero, or be taller, or less this or that, then something nice can be made for you. Clothes are for people, not people for clothes.”
Sophie de Oliveira Barata of the Alternative Limb Project designed a bespoke blade prosthesis featuring a chandelier, which Reid donned in the show.
