We live in a time when “mental health” is a pandemic buzz phrase. So, it’s no shock that people are coming out of the woodwork to participate in Break Free NYFW. A fashion showcase dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery. Regardless, I have remained adamant that I interview people with true stories and real-life experiences. No offense to the bandwagon fans (#mentalhealthmatters), but I continue to seek out those with witness authority.
Fortunately, I crossed paths with photographer Rob MacNeil @robmacneilphoto who has a personal and professional commitment to this work. MacNeil will be photographing the event, and he was gracious enough to share some of his story with me. “I was introduced to designer Alexandra Nyman by model Gabriela Amaral from @iconmodelmanagement who is walking in the show,” he said, “In speaking with Alexandra, I soon discovered we shared some very similar and very brutal life experiences.”
Nyman is the creative director of Lady Cat Designs @iamladycat, and she is the powerhouse entrepreneur behind the Break Free showcase. In 2019 she launched her signature line, Therapy which bravely immersed the viewers into a story of her brother’s struggle with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation. Nyman’s vulnerability caught like-minded creatives’ attention. She is a true advocate on the front lines of mental health and addiction recovery work. Nyman is not afraid to create about it. When Rob MacNeil met this passionate designer with a cause, her story deeply resonated with him.
A family disease
MacNeil told me, “I grew up in a household with two parents and several sisters who all suffered from depression. I saw the ripple effect it caused.” The compounding impact of mental health issues and substance abuse wreaked havoc on his family. He shared, “Eventually, I lost my youngest sister to suicide from drugs, then my oldest sister from alcohol abuse years later.”
The silver lining
The photographer described the impact as utterly “damaging to his soul”; however, he quickly shifted the narrative to focus on the silver lining. He said, “because of my family history, I have seen close up how fragile life is.” He relayed, “I deeply appreciate the people in my life. I speak from the heart and always express my feelings because we never know what tomorrow will bring.” To my surprise, he sounded just like a person in recovery. When I inquired about his relationship with alcohol, he said, “I have lived my entire life sober because of these experiences.” It became clear that although MacNeil has suffered some soul-crushing moments in his life, he has unearthed a gift buried in the rubble.
I asked MacNeil what message he hopes his photography inspires? “My work has been mostly ethereal or dreamlike,” he said. “I have always been drawn to shoot beautiful models, stunning couture, and powerful makeup/hairstyles against very harsh backgrounds. Essentially a juxtaposition in every image. Maybe that’s how I see human life, as something that can still be beautiful, colorful, and creative in a very harsh world.”
Bring on the light
He went on to say, “After losing so many people in my life, I struggled through a lot of darkness over the years. I try to bring others a glimmer of light. I hope my images help viewers escape their lives for a moment and experience some joy.” I couldn’t help but note his positive outlook and shift towards gratitude, “I am so fortunate to have an amazing team that sees the world like I do” he reported.
Meet the team
MacNeil works with make-up artist Lisa Tuff @lisatuff_tilu, owner of Rebel Soul, who is a breathwork facilitator and a healing arts practitioner in her own right. Another key player on his team is model Gabriela Amaral @elegance_by_ela. She is a gorgeous, fair-skinned blonde who has posed for MacNeil in many settings. Amaral is dedicated to showing up on the fashion scene to represent mental health awareness. “I hope this work serves to inspire and illuminate others,” she chimed in. She’ll be walking in the show, wearing multiple looks from various designers.
Together this team is constantly striving to capture a bit of Zen in their images and keep the vibe elevated and exhilarating. I’m looking forward to meeting them soon to see their work up close.
Lights, camera, action! New York Fashion Week is around the corner, and we hope to see you at the Break Free showcase on February 14th, 2022.
Grace & Glam,
Kate
P.S. #mentalhealthmatters will be trending strong and that is perfectly fine by me
WALK YOUR TALK: A Conversation With Svetlana Cherneinko, Founder of Wü-Sah, a Designer Participating in the Upcoming Break Free NYFW Fashion Show
WALK YOUR TALK: The Merging of Mental Health & Fashion, An Intimate Conversation With Alexandra Nyman of Soberocity, The Beauty & Brains Behind Break Free NYFW Fashion Show
WALK YOUR TALK with Kate Vitela is our section of the site that celebrates fashion and the role it plays in our recovery. Getting ready for life can be just as fun if not more fun, now that we’re sober…because drunk never looks good.
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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
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.
