Nothing’s Slowing Her Down

Model Karen Crespo has become the first quadruple amputee to ever walk down the runway at New York Fashion Week. Crespo, 32, lost all of her limbs to a severe form of bacterial meningitis. Although it was a shocking transition, Crespo is using this opportunity to inspire others in similar situations and circumstances. Crespo is determined to bring awareness to people with disabilities and is using her newfound status to help others gain a voice.

Not only is she pioneering a new trail for modeling, but she is also bringing awareness to people with disabilities. Crespo is opening a new door for people who vary from the normal, cookie-cutter model. Rather than being the 6ft tall, white, skinny girl, she is a normal sized woman with disabilities. She is truly opening all kinds of doors for people. Modeling is changing, quickly! In my last two-blog posts, I have talked about how body standards are beginning to change for models; now it is time that other factors change as well.

When people like Crespo make headway we can see the tides changing. She has been given the power to walk at New York Fashion Week, which is huge for anybody. This is a very public domain and gives her a lot of power. Hopefully this is the start of seeing various races, genders, and people on the runaways at fashion week and in the media. The world is full of diverse people like Crespo who want to have a say. Rather than portraying a slanted version of the world, hopefully runways will start portraying a real version of the world and the women in it.