Designer Ngoc Han from Ideas brand is helping models trying ao dai on. — Photo coutersy of Ideas fashion

HA NOI (VNS) — About 30 models with disabilities will sashay down the catwalk at the first-ever such fashion show in Viet Nam, which will be held tomorrow morning at Casa Italia Hanoi.

The event, entitled I'm Beautiful. You Too, will showcase 30 designs by renowned brand Chula from Spain, Bianco Levrin from Italy and Ideas from Viet Nam.

"Women with disabilities have as much right as others to feel attractive and shine on a catwalk, and to pick and design the most suitable dresses to enhance their beauty," Nguyen Thi Van, director of The Will To Live, a social enterprise, said at a press conference held at United Nations office on Thursday.

The event is being organised by The Will To Live with the support of the United Nations in Viet Nam, the Italian and Australian embassies and Flinder University to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities, which falls on December 3.

"This kind of event is very powerful in helping to both challenge and change attitudes surrounding disability," Pratibha Mehta, the UN resident co-ordinator in Viet Nam, said.

"We all have the same aspirations, dreams and desires. All we need is the opportunity and for others to believed in us."

The event was conceived by The Will To Live during a training programme on responding to gender-based violence, funded by Australian Aid, which aimed to deepen the society's understanding as well as change old and negative perceptions of people with disabilities.

Van organised a fashion show for people with disabilities in Australia, when she was doing a three-month training course there.

The show I'm Beautiful. You Too in Ha Noi will mark one year of Van's show in Australia.

Van met and received support from many people, including Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni, Australia's Hugh Borrowman and designers.

"We thank Van and are very happy to get a chance to work and create together," a representative of Bianco Levrin brand said. "It will be a very special and unique fashion show."

The designs offer a fusion of oriental essences and western spontaneity that are being introduced to the public for the first time.

The 30 models from Ha Noi, HCM City, Da Nang and Nghe An will perform at 10am at 18 Le Phung Hieu Street.

The models' hair will be styled by disabled artists from Hair Salon Thanh Nguyen. — VNS