POS0288-PARE “LOOKING THE LIFE WITH COURAGE” A FASHION SHOW WITH PATIENTS WITH RMDs AND OTHER DISABILITIES AS MODELS
Authors: M. Spanou Salamaliki, A. Pappa, K. Antonopoulou, N. Malliou, M. Plagou, L. Papachrisanthaki, A. Stefanaki, F. Chorba, V. Goula, I. Syrokosta, N. Karakassi, M. Karagiorgou
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> The Patras branch of the Hellenic League Against Rheumatism sought to demonstrate to the public and local stakeholders that individuals with RMDs and other disabilities can conquer their illnesses and lead fulfilling lives. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To accomplish this goal, the branch hosted a fashion show called "Looking the Life with Courage" with the cooperation mainly of local associations of patients with disabilities. Among the other goals were: 1.Ton increase knowledge of RMDs and disabilities 2.To increase awareness of our branch and other disability associations and 3.To raise a certain amount of money for charitable purposes. <h3>Methods:</h3> Press releases, a social media campaign, and—most importantly—word-of-mouth are how we publicize the event. The event included: 1.In the beginning, a small tribute of the Olympic flame touching, in honour of all disabled people and all the Paralympians who honoured our country with gold medals by the well-known designer of haute couture Mr. Mike Nikolatos. 2.A fashion show by patients with RMDs and people with disabilities and only 2 professional models, wearing wonderful evening clothes from a very well-known fashion store. 3.Bridal show with a specially designed dance show by the Dance Sports Hall Dance School, with excellent choreographies by its dance teacher, Dionissia Soulele. 4.A spectacular fashion show, with couture clothes, by the Designer, who also served as the event's director and the artistic director. The fashion show concluded with the fashion designer receiving an award from the President and Management Committee of HELAR/ELEANA of the fashion designer for his valuable contribution for both his significant contribution to the field of disability fashion and his groundbreaking ideas about animal welfare. He is the first fashion designer in Greece to use environmentally friendly fur substitutes in place of natural fur, saving animals from suffering and death. Throughout the evening, the participants relived Greek and international favourites through a delightful musical voyage. <h3>Results:</h3> The fashion show was a great success. More than 500 people attended the fashion show. About 4,500 euros were raised for charity. We got the chance to communicate with local governmental and municipal authorities once more. We succeeded in raising awareness of RMDS and other disabilities once more, thanks to extensive media coverage from influencers, TV shows, social media, and press clippings. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The show focused on diversity, strength, and movement. The patients experienced such high psychological satisfaction that they realized they had nothing to be envious of in terms of non-disabled people. We managed to have better cooperation with other associations. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> We appreciate all of our partners: The Vice Regional Commissioner of Western Greece,Ch. Bonanos, The President of the Patras Carnaval, I.Kouri, the Women's Union of Patras, the Inner Wheel European, S. Avgerinou, the Soroptimist Club Callipateira, Mrs Maria Manousaki, the Inner Wheel Northen Rio, M. Asimakopoulou, the Animal Welfare League, A. Demopoulou and the Association of Young Artists, E Analytis and our sponsors. Specially thanks to "The Diamonds events", A.M.Rogdaki, for their help in decorating the venue. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>