Dress Up For Downs (DUFD) eighth annual fashion show featured 12 models with Down syndrome styled by Kent State fashion students to fit the theme of “Hollywood’s Heroes” Sunday afternoon.

“I hope that the attendees of the event realize that we really need more diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry, and I really hope that the show put a smile on their face,” president of DUFD Nadia Hutkay said. 

This year, Hutkay said just around 200 people showed up to the event.

DUFD was founded in 2016 by a fashion designer who felt there wasn’t a community for people with Down syndrome at the school. 

“Her goal was to bridge the gap between the fashion industry and those with disabilities,” Hutkay said.

Freshman visual communication design major Esther Morris came to this event in support of her friend who was one of the designers for the show. Morris said her favorite part of the show was seeing all the outfits put together.

“I liked the videos, I thought that [it] was really good to see the backstories behind all the outfits,” Morris said. She said she loved the show and had so much fun at the event.  

Hutkay expressed how thankful she was for all the attendees to the fashion show and all the work put into it.

The fashion show included over 20 raffle baskets. Corporate donors as well as donations from families and friends made the show possible.

This event not only raised awareness for the community, but it also raised money. Through both tickets and raffles, DUFD raised over $3,000 for the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (DSANEO).

DSANEO is a “nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities.” They are the primary resource for people and families with Down syndrome in northeast Ohio.

Talia Milewich is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].