Stephanie Kelly, a 26-year-old model who uses a wheelchair due to congenital heart conditions, made her debut at Australian Fashion Week, marking a significant moment for representation in runway spaces. The event, which runs from May 9 to May 13 in Australia, featured Kelly at one of the shows on May 11, highlighting the growing visibility of models who navigate medical realities on the global fashion stage.
Kelly’s medical journey began in her teenage years, when she spent time in a wheelchair as a result of multiple heart conditions and low potassium levels. In 2018, she faced a car accident that led to additional health challenges, including a stomach motility disorder and gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly. Following gallbladder removal, she required parenteral nutrition, delivering nutrients directly into her bloodstream through a vein, a life-sustaining measure that underscores the intersection of health and high-fashion opportunities for disabled individuals.
In discussing her participation, Kelly expressed a clear intention to use her platform to shed light on her illnesses, advocate for diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry, and demonstrate that wearing medical devices need not impede a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Her remarks reinforce a broader conversation about accessibility, equal representation, and the creative potential that comes with embracing a wider range of body experiences on runways and in campaigns.
Earlier coverage by media outlets has sometimes highlighted other stories related to disability and fashion. For instance, prior reports noted a separate case involving a model who had a life-changing experience with a medical device, illustrating how fashion media increasingly intersects with conversations about health, resilience, and empowerment. These accounts contribute to a broader public understanding of how the industry can champion people with medical needs while maintaining artistic integrity and commercial viability, as evidenced by Kelly’s appearance at Australian Fashion Week and the ongoing discourse surrounding inclusive fashion practices.