Beautiful Lives Project to hold fashion show at CD Peacock Mansion

The Beautiful Lives Project, a nonprofit that focuses on creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities through inclusive events across the country, is hosting a fashion show at the CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook on Aug. 7.

The Beautiful Lives Project was co-founded by Bryce Weiler in 2017.

Weiler, who is blind, said he began the program to help others with disabilities experience special moments they might not otherwise get a chance to have. He cites a transformational moment when he was allowed to site on the bench of the University of Evansville men’s basketball team as the impetus behind the creation of Beautiful Lives.

He went on to team up with the New Britain Bees baseball team in Connecticut and opened the stadium to disabled individuals. Since then, his mission has been to create similar moments for others with disabilities.

This is the organization’s first time venturing into the fashion industry.

“A fashion show is something I’ve always wanted to do, but not being able to see, I wasn’t sure how to get that done” said Weiler. “We have a great group of people working together to put this together”

This event will feature 10 participants from the area, including those who are blind or visually impaired. The participants will be wearing outfits from Nordstrom, which they selected by feeling the fabrics and describing the styles and textures they found most appealing.

“They may not be able to see the fashion that they’re wearing, but touch is something that can combine most everyone together” said Weiler.

Although the fashion show is not open to the public, Beautiful Lives puts on several programs monthly throughout the country that are and the public is encouraged to request an event in their area at the group’s website, beautifullives.org.