Model, Musician, and Activist
RACHEL ROMU
Audio Transcription:
"I have a unique understanding of the world as a result of living with a disability following spine surgeries and a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I felt like I didn't belong in the fashion industry. The first time I modelled for the brand, after getting off the runway, it felt like giving a big 'f*ck you' to anybody that told me 'no' before. If I put something on that feels powerful, I kind of feel like more myself and less like I'm only viewed with these weird pity eyes. The first show I played was a year ago and was a week after I bought my first Hayley Elsaesser piece and I wore it on stage because having the experiences with the brand on the runway, feeling invincible, made me want to take what I knew was a safe space and bring it to a place I felt unsafe."
- Rachel Romu
Audio Transcription:
"I have a unique understanding of the world as a result of living with a disability following spine surgeries and a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. I felt like I didn't belong in the fashion industry. The first time I modelled for the brand, after getting off the runway, it felt like giving a big 'f*ck you' to anybody that told me 'no' before. If I put something on that feels powerful, I kind of feel like more myself and less like I'm only viewed with these weird pity eyes. The first show I played was a year ago and was a week after I bought my first Hayley Elsaesser piece and I wore it on stage because having the experiences with the brand on the runway, feeling invincible, made me want to take what I knew was a safe space and bring it to a place I felt unsafe."
- Rachel Romu