Parsons’ New Disabled Fashion Student Program Aims to Create Change in the Industry [Video]

Caity Briare is set to attend fashion school for the first time in New York City at Parsons School of Design this fall. Growing up, Briare always struggled to find trend-forward clothing that fit her smaller body–Briare is a little person—so she began cutting and altering clothing she bought at fashion stores. Looking back now, she realizes now that she was a fashion designer before she recognized it herself. Then, in 2020, she got her first sewing machine and started making clothing for herself. Now, she has a business called Ca8ty Designs that sees her customize thrifted pieces with hand-drawn images and embroidery, and she is pursuing a career in fashion with the goal of making others feel more included.

Briare will be one of the first students to participate Parsons’ new Disabled Fashion Student Program, which is a new recruitment, scholarship and mentorship initiative created by Parsons and Tilting the Lens, the accessibility consultancy founded by disability …