On Saturday, February 9th, the Break Free Foundation presented “Recovery on the Runway,” a groundbreaking fashion showcase that placed recovery at the forefront of New York Fashion Week. Hosted at the historic Judson Memorial Church, this sold-out event seamlessly fused high fashion and advocacy, reinforcing the message that recovery and resiliency belong on the runway.
Claire Comai hosted the evening, which was DJ’d by Chris Bachmann. This set the tone for a night of bold statements, powerful performances, and the next generation of fashion.
A Fashion-Forward Statement on Recovery
This season’s designers took center stage, presenting collections that embodied transformation and breaking free from the mold:
- Sky-Eagle Collection: Founded by Dante Biss-Grayson, this celebrated Indigenous fashion house debuted its “Red Line Collection,” pushing creative boundaries with bold, sophisticated designs. The runway featured Ashley Callingbull, Miss Universe Canada 2024, and Nathalie Wajashk-Restoule, Anishinaabe kwe from Dokis First Nation, while a traditional dance performance by Madeline Goodfox and Gigi Sieke of the Osage Nation added a rich cultural dimension to the evening.
- REHAB by Claire Comai: Known for its streetwear-meets-high-fashion aesthetic, REHAB presented a collection inspired by personal recovery journeys, encouraging self-expression and breaking free from societal expectations.
- Open Mind Apparel: This brand merges fashion with mindfulness and mental health awareness, integrating positive affirmations into its garments, symbolizing a commitment to self-love and healing.
- At Night We Prey: A fusion of gothic aesthetics and streetwear, this label explored the darkness and light of the recovery journey, reflecting the power of transformation.
Unforgettable Musical Performances
The night was elevated by powerhouse performances from two remarkable artists:
- Ben Hazlewood, an international alt-pop sensation with over 400 million streams, made his runway debut walking for REHAB by Claire Comai and delivered a soul-stirring live performance of his single, “Kerosene.” The song’s raw emotion resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the intersection of music, mental health, and self-discovery.
- Kelsie Watts, a vocal powerhouse and viral sensation from The Voice Season 19, stunned the crowd with a deeply personal performance of “Can’t Say Goodbye”, a song she wrote in memory of her brother Jordan, who passed away due to depression and suicide. Before her performance, Kelsie shared an emotional reflection on her brother’s battle, emphasizing that mental illness is real, and those who struggle are never alone.
“My brother was the life of the party, full of love, but depression is a clinical illness that can resurface. He wasn’t thinking that day—his brain was broken. If you are struggling, you are not alone. The world is better with you in it.”
Her powerful message moved members of the audience to tears, reinforcing the urgent need for mental health awareness and the important role of family support in recovery.
An Unparalleled Sober Experience
Guests enjoyed an elevated sober-curious experience with signature mocktails from Dirty Virgin, an up-and-coming alcohol-free beverage brand redefining the nightlife scene. DanceSafe, a leader in harm reduction and drug safety, conducted fentanyl test strip demonstrations, ensuring that education and awareness were key components of the evening.
The event was also supported by The Sober Curator, a leading platform for sober lifestyle content, and Beyond Art Space, which showcased a stunning gallery of artwork created by individuals in recovery, emphasizing that healing can take many forms.
A Community United in Recovery
This season’s VIP guests included:
- Ryder Beer, musician and mental health recovery advocate
- Assembly Member Jo Simon, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, who continues to champion mental health policy reform
With a packed house of fashion industry leaders, advocates, influencers, and legislators, Recovery on the Runway proved that recovery is not just possible—it is powerful.
Continuing the Conversation
The Break Free Foundation remains committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Through fashion, music, and advocacy, this event has set the stage for a larger movement—one that challenges societal norms and empowers individuals to embrace their recovery journeys.
For those who need support, you are not alone. Help is available.
WALK YOUR TALK: SOBRIETY IS ALWAYS IN STYLE. ✨ Fashion-Forward. Fearlessly Sober. Unapologetically Chic. ✨
Welcome to Walk Your Talk, the go-to destination for fashionable sober living. For those redefining what it means to live boldly and vibrantly alcohol-free, we’re here to prove that sobriety is more than a lifestyle—it’s the ultimate statement piece.
From stunning runway-ready ensembles to effortlessly everyday glam, Walk Your Talk is where sober fashionistas come to celebrate confidence and clarity. Gone are the days of pre-funks and party drinks; we’re dismantling outdated stereotypes, one stunning outfit at a time.
💫 Because the best thing you can wear is clarity, confidence, and a killer sense of style.
More than just a fashion hub, Walk Your Talk features curated finds in our #ADDTOCART section, spotlights sobriety-focused small businesses, and showcases unique merchandise to make your sober journey unapologetically chic. We are also proud partners of the Break Free Foundation, sharing sobriety’s brilliance on the runway during New York Fashion Week and beyond.
Join the movement that affirms you can live fearlessly, dress confidently, and thrive fabulously alcohol-free.
💥 Read. Follow. Elevate.
Call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress. You can learn more about its services here, including its guide on what to do if you see suicidal language on social media. You can also call that number to talk to someone about how you can help a person in crisis. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.
For support outside of the US, a worldwide directory of resources and international hotlines is provided by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. You can also turn to Befrienders Worldwide.
Help is Available
If you or someone you love is living with substance use, alcohol misuse, a co-occurring, or a behavioral health disorder, there is hope. The Break Free Foundation aids individuals seeking recovery through the Break Free Scholarship Fund. It sends anyone who lacks the financial resources to attend a recovery center to do so at low to no cost.
Review our Treatment Locator Tool to find the right program near you, as well as our list of Hotlines and Helplines. Click here for a list of regional and national resources. On this road to recovery, no one is alone. We are all in this together.
