The fashion industry is known for its glamour and style. It is not usually associated with social issues like mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. That’s why Break Free is breaking the mold with an immersive runway experience that combines art, design, fashion, and social awareness on the runway.
On Monday, September 11th, the Break Free Foundation returns for their fourth NYFW designer charity showcase at the iconic 230 Fifth Empire Ballroom. This immersive runway experience features live entertainment, designers showcasing the latest styles, red carpet interviews, and networking with designers, creatives, and industry experts.
Save the Date! Monday, September 11th, 2023, in NYC
- 6 pm: Doors open to the venue, and mocktails will be served to all
- 7 pm: The fashion show begins
Break Free is leading the discussion on mental health, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders within the fashion industry and beyond. Every runway season, we host a designer showcase to have mental health and recovery take center stage during New York Fashion Week.
Every season, we invite activists to walk the runway and showcase their designs to spread the message that there is life beyond recovery. A majority of the proceeds from this showcase will go to the Break Free Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to assist those seeking treatment for a substance use disorder through attending a rehabilitation and outpatient center.
September is National Recovery Month, a month to celebrate those who have sought recovery from a substance use disorder and to encourage others to seek ways to gain sobriety and live a sober lifestyle.
In honor of National Recovery Month, you can use code RECOVERYMONTH for $5 off your order. If you are a person in recovery and cannot afford to attend the showcase, please email us at team@breakfreefoundation.org for information on gaining complimentary access to the showcase.
The Break Free Foundation
Break Free NYFW is a runway show with a cause. We are leading the discussion on mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders within the fashion industry through fashion as our artistic medium.
For each runway show we host, we invite mental health and recovery activists to not only walk on the runway as models but to be featured designers showcasing their collections for the world to see.
“It is an understatement to say that the fashion industry impacts how we as a society choose to present ourselves to the world and can influence how the wearer feels about themself,” said Alexandra Nyman, founder of the Break Free Foundation. “We will continue to raise our voices during New York Fashion Week in an effort to raise awareness about mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders in the fashion industry. It is our hope that other designers will follow suit and will speak on their personal experiences with mental health and recovery.”
WALK YOUR TALK: Break Free NYFW Fall Showcase 2023 – February 2023
A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
