Grace Stratton is the Co-Founder, CEO and Director of All is for All. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at a year old, she is a wheelchair user, and is studying law and communications at university. The challenges she faces from her own disability are wide, but sadly many of these result from societal attitudes rather than her physical disability.
The impact that Grace and All is for All has had for the young people represented by the agency is far-reaching. By creating community and building confidence, as well as increasing awareness, opportunity and accessibility, Grace has facilitated opportunity in many people’s lives, including Mamie, Amelia and Rebecca (photographed here), who in turn are bringing transformation to society’s attitudes towards disabilities.
Grace sees the purpose of her work not as “being a voice for disabled people, but rather a platform to amplify the voices of those that are disabled.”
Nineteen year old All is for All model, Mamie, has a love of angels and Mary statues. In her beautiful home she has many and they seem to exude interest, colour and peaceful vibrancy from every corner, metaphoric of Mamie’s beautiful nature and shining personality. Through All is for All, Mamie, Amelia and Rebecca, can inspire others and have a platform to express themselves in their full colour, in many forums.
Mamie radiates sunshine, and is one of the most bubbly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Pulled into a hug we instantly got along – her energy is just infectious! A lover of music, cats, and angels, Mamie spends her time as a passionate advocate for the disability community, as well as the LGBTQI community. Mamie lives with Williams Syndrome but this has only given her more awareness of the disability community, and who she is as a person.
Working with All is for All has helped her with her advocacy, allowed her to meet new people, and given her modelling opportunities, something she has always wanted to do.
Despite the most challenging part of her disability being bullying, “sometimes even as an adult it can be difficult”, Mamie wants others to know that the most important thing is “just to be yourself, and don’t ever give up.”
Now an accomplished model, Mamie brings her bubbly energy into her modelling as well.
Walking into Crave cafe for the first time, I was excited to meet Amelia (23 years old) and see her in her element. Working as a food runner at Crave for 4 years now, it was clear how much joy she brings to others through her job. “The best part of the job is bringing the people their food”, she says.
Amelia lives with Down Syndrome and sometimes finds it hard to express her ideas so that people can understand her. All is for All has given Amelia exciting opportunities, a way to meet likeminded people, and a chance to wear new and exciting clothes. She says her motto, “GIVE IT A GO”, helps her to overcome challenges.
Beautiful Amelia captured in a moment of stillness.
An accomplished Bronze Medalist Paralympian, communications assistant, advocate and now model, it is clear Rebecca (27) is a multi-talented young woman.
Having pursued swimming for 17 years, competing in two Paralympics, Rebecca is now chasing another childhood dream. “I grew up watching America’s next top model with my mum, I think I always secretly wanted to be a model so it’s kind of cool that I’ve now been given that opportunity, so I’m just trying to make the most of it while I can.”
Born with sacral agenesis, one of the most challenging things about her disability can be other people’s attitudes and stereotypes. “Your judgment of others says more about you than it does about them, avoid making assumptions and if in doubt just ask. Speaking in relation to disability I’d much rather someone ask me if I need help instead of just assuming I do.”
“For me one of the biggest things I’ve gained from being part of All is for All is finding a community of likeminded disabled people that have become close friends. It’s also boosted my confidence and presented opportunities that are allowing me to grow and become the person I’ve always wanted to be.”
Rebecca, Mamie and Amelia embody the ethos of All is for All, and are advocates themselves. Together with Grace, they are expanding the representation and acceptance of ALL disabilities in both fashion and ALL industries, which is vital in making our society a better and more balanced place.
The beauty of these young women, inside and out, shines through. They are role models for others with disabilities. They are bringing change and balance, representing a sector in society that is marginalised, and encouraging society to broaden its concept of embracing diversity to include people with disabilities. They are bringing a voice and expression to many with disabilities who can now see themselves in advertising, media and the arts. They are champions of inclusion and celebration.
The girls are modelling clothes by young kiwi designers Layplan (Lavinia Ilolahia and Talia Soloa). Working against the fast fashion model, they seek to celebrate the nuance of the human form with garments that observe and celebrate loveliness and boldness. The perfect compliment to the vibrancy and beauty of the models.