In a world where fashion is often synonymous with glamour and exclusivity, the Break Free Foundation is shaking things up with a mission that goes beyond couture. On Saturday, February 8th, during the height of New York Fashion Week, Break Free will host its highly anticipated “Recovery on the Runway”. This groundbreaking event merges high fashion with advocacy, shining a spotlight on mental health, substance use, and the power of recovery.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill runway show—it’s a revolution. Since its inception, the Break Free Foundation has been redefining what it means to take the spotlight, using the runway as a platform to break the stigma surrounding addiction, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. By blending art, activism, and storytelling, the foundation has created an inclusive space where designers, models, and audience members can celebrate resilience and recovery.
“We are all recovering from something,” says Alexandra Nyman, Founder of the Break Free Foundation and creative visionary behind this movement. “This show isn’t just about fashion; it’s about empowerment, advocacy, and creating a community where recovery is celebrated, not stigmatized.”
Designers to Watch
This season’s lineup features Sky-Eagle Collection, Rehab, and Chablis Designs, three powerhouse brands that bring bold perspectives and authentic stories to the runway.
- Sky-Eagle Collection, led by Osage artist and veteran Dante Biss-Grayson, is a celebration of Native American culture and resilience. Known for their couture lace ribbon dresses and modern designs, Sky-Eagle’s collections are a testament to the power of heritage and storytelling. Expect pieces that honor tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion.
- Rehab, born in New York City, draws inspiration from the raw realities of addiction and the ecstasy of recovery. Their designs are a rebellious fusion of streetwear and ready-to-wear, crafted to shed anonymity and embrace individuality. This season, Rehab’s collection promises to be as edgy as it is empowering.
- Chablis Designs, helmed by Tyrone Chablis, brings decades of expertise from the New Jersey fashion scene. Renowned for his innovative tailoring and timeless aesthetics, Chablis is set to captivate audiences with a collection that balances sophistication and soul.
Special Moments Include
The event at the iconic Judson Memorial overlooking Washington Square Park promises to be an unforgettable evening. Doors open at 6:00 PM, offering attendees a chance to walk the purple carpet—a nod to recovery. The show begins at 7:00 PM, blending high fashion with poignant performances.
Osage Nation Dance Performance: Dancers Madeline Goodfox and Gigi Sieke will honor Osage traditions through a captivating performance, adding a rich cultural layer to the show.
Ashley Callingbull: Miss Universe Canada 2024 and a trailblazer for Indigenous women, Ashley will walk the runway, embodying the strength and empowerment central to Sky-Eagle’s message.
What sets Break Free apart is its commitment to advocacy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Break Free Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
The event invites influencers, activists, and anyone passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding recovery to join the conversation. For those in recovery who cannot afford tickets, Break Free offers complimentary access, ensuring that this celebration of resilience is truly inclusive.
A Call to Action
With its bold mission and equally daring designs, “Recovery on the Runway” is more than just a New York Fashion Week event—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, an advocate, or someone on a recovery journey, this is an event not to be missed. As Nyman aptly puts it, “Fashion is a universal language, and we’re using it to tell stories that need to be heard.”
So, mark your calendars for February 8th, and prepare to witness the intersection of fashion, advocacy, and hope. This is not just a runway show; it’s a revolution.
Tickets are available now at eventbrite.com.
Use code TSC for a $5.00 virtual ticket to watch the runway show live from New York Fashion Week, hosted by Alysse Bryson, the Founder of The Sober Curator.
Sometimes life gets really shitty. Resources are available. Please use them if you need them.
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.
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HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Based in the Pacific Northwest, The Pathfinder Nonalcoholic Spirit Alternative Will Become Your New Favorite
WALK YOUR TALK: This is the ultimate destination for fashion-forward sober living, led by the stylish trio Kate Vitela, Alexandra Nyman, and Alysse Bryson. This unique space is a must-read for sober fashionistas who are redefining what it means to live vibrantly alcohol-free. Featuring fresh takes on fashion, this section of TSC celebrates the thrill of getting dressed and styled without the influence of pre-funk or party drinks. It’s all about embracing sobriety with confidence, dismantling stereotypes, and affirming that a sober lifestyle can be as bold, fun, and fabulous as any other.
At Walk Your Talk, we spotlight the joy of dressing up, not just for the night but for life. The lifestyle section goes beyond fashion by diving into curated picks in the #ADDTOCART section, where readers can find unique sobriety gifts, chic merchandise, and swag that fits any stylish sober journey. Highlighting small businesses founded by individuals in recovery, the segment emphasizes community support, bringing awareness to brands and creators who share the mission of living fully and authentically.
As champions of the sober fashion movement, Walk Your Talk also partners with the Break Free Foundation, supporting its impactful New York Fashion Week runway shows and annual gala. This collaboration brings sobriety and style to the spotlight, showing that the sober community can rock the runway and make a difference.
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.
