Benedetta De Luca unveiled her passion for inclusivity on the grand stage of the Milan Fashion Week with the groundbreaking event titled "The WOMderful Inclusive Fashion Show." Held for the first time, the show brought together themes of fashion and inclusivity, making waves not just on the runway but also within the broader dialogue on beauty standards.
This remarkable event, which occurred under the auspices of the City of Milan and the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, achieved success through its promotion and execution by The Wom—an influential digital magazine focused on new generations. The show was realized alongside the contributions of the Power Talent Agency and was proudly partnered with Dove, which has been dedicated to celebrating authentic beauty for over 20 years.
Benedetta De Luca, who serves as the Gender & Inclusion editor for The Wom and is recognized as a Disability Advocate, emphasized the show’s mission. “This event aims to take action toward a future where no one should feel invisible. Everyone deserves to shine and exist fully, without ever feeling out of place. An authentic representation of oneself is fundamental; we all have the right to be seen, acknowledged, and valued unconditionally,” she stated.
According to Alessia Cappello, the city's Economic Development and Labor Policy Assessor, Milan is proud to support initiatives like this. “We believe beauty and elegance have no boundaries or barriers, and we encourage projects promoting inclusion,” she said. Carlo Capasa, the Chamber of Fashion’s president, also praised the initiative, noting their long history of supporting inclusive projects during Milan Fashion Week.
The runway showcased 15 exceptional models from across Italy, each with unique backgrounds, characteristics, and stories. These women represented diverse cultures and identities, defying stereotypes and adding depth to the notion of beauty on the runway. By sharing their journeys, they underscored the belief of inclusivity involving multiple dimensions.
Among the featured models were Giulia D’Aloia, who creates impactful videos dedicated to women who shaped history; Elisabetta Rossi, who, born deaf, demonstrates communication’s transcendence beyond spoken words; Anna Fusco, whose innovative use of robotics integrates with her artistic expression; and many more, each offering insightful narratives of strength and resilience.
De Luca’s collection culminated with a unique piece born out of community collaboration—a white dress symbolizing inclusion and authentic beauty. Originally conceived as a blank canvas, the dress took on “color” and meaning through collective participation, illustrating the power of shared stories and experiences. “The dress, titled ‘Trame di autenticità,’ is not just about fabric; it is about weaving together our narratives,” she explained.
Dove's designated partnership with the event highlighted their mutual goal of promoting true beauty and self-acceptance. With over 10 million followers and monthly users, The Wom continues to be at the forefront of advocating for authentic representation and collective empowerment.
This celebration of authenticity was supported technically by Astra Make-Up for makeup and Wella Professional handling the hair styling, adding finishing touches to the stunning presentations.
The conclusion of the show included the talk titled “Fashion Illuminates Every Uniqueness,” allowing for reflection on the impacts of inclusivity within the fashion industry. Over 300 attendees, including fashion industry figures, content creators, media representatives, and students, gathered to witness this cultural milestone.
Looking forward, De Luca and The Wom project remain committed to fostering discussions surrounding representation, encouraging constructive dialogues and experiences combating invisibility. This show is not merely an event; it symbolizes the continuous evolution of societal standards toward acceptance and authenticity.
With plans to extend influence beyond the runway, The Wom seeks to remain a haven for authentic representation where individuals can connect and be heard. The goal is to create an environment ripe for dialogues about difficult topics and to cultivate mutual growth through collective experiences.