Selma Blair Hopes to Change Disability Representation in Hollywood
Selma Blair had a very powerful red carpet moment back in 2019 that changed the course of her life. The popular actress was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 after having some severe symptoms that kept her from working. She stayed out of the public eye for a while but made her first public appearance since her diagnosis at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars party. The night led to the realization that Hollywood does not often represent disabilities well. She decided she wanted to change that.
She shared with The Messenger, “I did realize the incredible moment that changed a lot was when I was on the red carpet when I was weak and out of balance and in the middle of a flare in my brain and I really wanted to show up and I really wanted to look pretty and I really had no problem using my walking stick and my cane because that was just a part of me. But to realize the reaction from young girls and boys at home, that that made them feel seen as being someone who had always identified more with a non-disabled version of society? It blew my wig off because it was such a realization that this is actually my community.”
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The entire evening and the reactions afterward made her realize that she had been trying to keep up with Hollywood instead of embracing who she really is and the journey she was currently on in life. Blair has now teamed up with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and QVC for a disability-inclusive fashion line. She hosted a fashion show experience with disability inclusion strategist Andraéa LaVant.
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Blair added, “Fashion has always been my love language. I had people that I couldn’t relate to in life but as soon as I saw something on them or the way they wore it… It has been such a disparity in the marketplace for everyone that has any other wants or needs other than the standard.” The new fashion line features comfortable yet fashionable items such as a blazer, wide-leg pants, shirts, and jackets. Check out the clothing here which also includes inclusive sizes.
Hollywood Glamour
May 2020
Celebrate the most glamorous leading ladies from the Golden Age of Hollywood
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