‘This fashion show is a dream come true for me’

Lunet models shine on the catwalk

On Tuesday, April 21, you can visit the special fashion show *Natuurlijk Kunst & Couture* at the Parktheater. That afternoon, the unique designs by Agnes van Dijk will be showcased by clients of the disability organization Lunet. One of the models on the catwalk is 33-year-old Elvira: “For me, it is a dream come true.”

By Marjolein van Hoof

Becoming a model: it is something Elvira has dreamed of since she was young. “I want to shine in front of an audience and become famous through this,” she says enthusiastically. She already got a nice preview when she was photographed for the fashion show poster. “That was really fantastic. It feels like I’m a celebrity.” And that is exactly her dream: to become famous, “just like Britney Spears.”

Elvira has an intellectual disability. “I was born in Colombia, but adopted in the Netherlands. And now I live at Strijp-S,” she says. There, in her apartment and in the hallway, she practices the right poses every day to shine on the catwalk and in photos. “And I look a lot on Google,” she says. “I think I’m doing very well. This allows me to show what I’m capable of.”

Powerful show

During the Naturally Art & Couture fashion show, everything revolves around people, talent, and making dreams come true. “The models on the catwalk are people with different bodies and ways of moving. That is precisely what makes this show so powerful and beautiful. Everyone shows who they are, with pride, courage, and a big smile,” Lunet explains.

The clothing makes the show extra special. Agnes van Dijk’s designs are made from materials that were previously considered waste. This is how something new and beautiful is created. “The show demonstrates: beauty is sometimes found in places where you least expect it. If you look closely, you see the value. In materials, but especially in people.”

During the fashion show, Agnes talks about her designs and the stories behind them. Introdans also gives a small preview of the performance HubClub’26, which can be seen at the Parktheater that same evening. During the fashion show, Issam Zemmouri performs an improvisation. This professional dancer has eyesight of only 4%.

“Natuurlijk Kunst & Couture is more than a fashion show. It is a celebration of who you are. Of creating something beautiful together. Of growing, shining, and daring.”

That ‘daring’ is certainly something Elvira has in abundance. “Nervous? No, I’m not at all. I’m actually looking forward to it. I am mostly very proud of myself.”

The Natuurlijk Kunst & Couture fashion show can be seen on Tuesday, April 21, at the Parktheater on Elzentlaan. Reception is from 14:30, the show starts at 15:00. Admission is €5.

You can register via: parktheater.nl

Article from Groot Eindhoven, read the article here