Break Free: A Celebration of Recovery and Resilience on the Runway
This Saturday, February 8th, the Break Free Foundation presents ' Recovery on the Runway ' at the historic Judson Memorial, located at 55 Washington Square South, New York, NY. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the runway show beginning promptly at 7:00 PM.
This groundbreaking event, hosted by Claire Comai and DJ'd by Chris Bachmann, places recovery center stage during New York Fashion Week. For virtual attendees, the event will be hosted by founder of The Sober Curator Alysse Bryson and podcaster Megan Swan.
At the heart of this showcase are visionary designers whose work challenges conventions and celebrates personal transformation:
Sky-Eagle Collection: Founded by Dante Biss-Grayson, this celebrated Indigenous fashion house returns to New York Fashion Week with the debut of its 'Red Line Collection.' This special showcase pushes creative boundaries with bold, sophisticated designs, including couture lace ribbon dresses and classic Sky-Eagle pieces. The collection symbolizes resilience, truth-telling, and elegance, representing a new chapter for Indigenous fashion on a global stage.
Walking the runway will be Ashley Callingbull, Miss Universe Canada 2024, and Nathalie Wajashk-Restoule, an Anishinaabe kwe from Dokis First Nation. Adding a rich cultural layer will be a dance performance by Madeline Goodfox and Gigi Sieke of the Osage Nation.
REHAB by Claire Comai: A bold fashion label inspired by recovery journeys, REHAB blends streetwear and high fashion to challenge stigma and promote individuality. Claire Comai's designs reflect raw, authentic experiences, creating wearable art that speaks to empowerment.
Adding to the evening's excitement, Kelsie Watts — a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and viral sensation — will take the stage, walking the runway for Sky-Eagle Collection. Known for her jaw-dropping audition on The Voice Season 19, where she landed a spot on Team Kelly Clarkson, Watts has amassed over 100 million views across social media. Following her success on ABC's Nightline, Kelsie will be playing Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway this February.
International alt-pop sensation Ben Hazlewood, with over 400 million streams, will make his runway debut walking for REHAB by Claire Comai. Known for his powerhouse vocals, Ben will perform his latest single, 'Kerosene,' live on the runway, offering an intimate glimpse into his path to recovery.
Guests will enjoy an elevated sober curious experience with Dirty Virgin serving signature low-calorie, electrolyte-enhanced mocktails, and DanceSafe providing fentanyl testing strip demonstrations to promote harm reduction and drug safety awareness.
Our community partners, including The Sober Curator, NAMI NYC, Sober is the New Cool, Health for the Arts, and Intero, will provide additional support and resources, amplifying the event's advocacy message.
Notable VIP guests include Ryder Beer, the sibling of Madison Beer, who is a supporter of mental health recovery, and Assembly Member Jo Simon of Assembly District 52, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, who continues to champion mental health policy reform.
The Break Free Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Through events like 'Recovery on the Runway,' we provide scholarships, advocacy, and support for individuals on their recovery journeys.
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Elle
3 hours ago
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