UNICI, formerly known as UNICI in Passarella (“Unique on the Catwalk”), is a non-profit association that promotes the talent of people with varying disabilities. They are based in Malta, although they organise similar events in Italy as well. BRUSH N’ STYLE seeks to subvert expectations and prove that both people with and without disabilities can walk the runway. The fashion show will include Maltese and Italian models who vary in renown, as well as in age, with them ranging from 4 years old till 30 years old.

The event is organised by Tiziana Randisi, the Vice President of UNICI. In an interview with Siracusa News, she asserted that “the word fashion can and must also rhyme with disability”, where she also mentioned struggling to find businesses to work with them. The argument for representation in fashion is one we’ve heard plenty of times before, but with good reason. UNICI’s events empower young people with disabilities by putting them at centre stage, and they accomplish this without fulfilling an agenda or opting for tokenism.