KENZIE WINSLOW

Model and personal trainer, Jake Eyers is the first male model amputee to walk on the catwalk in New York Fashion Week. Eyers walked in the FTL Moda presentation on Feb. 15.

Moda, a stage company, worked closely with italian organization, Fondazione Vertical. The italian company works towards raising awareness, increasing research and fundraising for people suffering from spinal cord injuries. The foundation is made up of patients 30 to 50 years old or relatives of patients according to the Fondazione website.

Eyers is from the United Kingdom and was thrilled when he was chosen to be a part of the show. The FTL Moda show was made up of designs by Antonio Urzi. Eyers, who is twenty five years old, was one of many disabled models to walk on the catwalk for Moda’s show.

“It all feels so surreal, I can’t believe this is actually happening. To be the first male amputee model on a New York Fashion Week runway feels amazing. It feels like such a big deal.” Eyers said to “Cater News”.

Eyers’ debut in modeling began after he came across Models for Diversity. Models for Diversity as collaborated with FTL Moda.

“I just want to show that having a disability doesn’t need to hold you back. I want people to see me and to realize that there needs to be more disabled models walking the runway,” Eyers told Cater News.