Bengaluru-based Riza Rezi is the first Indian to be officially selected for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s (Global) annual fashion show – Be Beautiful, Be Yourself – which features over 20 models with Down syndrome. The event, to be held in Denver, USA, on November 12, will raise funds for research on cognitive impairment.
Riza’s family says that the 23-year-old always had an inclination towards art. A theater practitioner at the Chrysalis Performance Art Center in the city, Riza has trained under Diana Tholur, who works with children with special needs. Riza is also a dancer who trains with choreographer Shiamak Davar.
Speaking about how art and theater helped shape her emotions, Riza said: “Theatre played an important role in my life. It helped me open up and express my thoughts and feelings. It helped me introduce myself during the auditions. It is really a surprise for me to be selected and selected as the only contestant from India for this fashion event. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am practicing my verbal skills to prepare and also reflect on my fashion choices for the event.”
Riza’s mother, Anita Reji, co-founder of Beautiful Together, a Bengaluru-based foundation that empowers individuals with disabilities, said, “Riza is verbally active and very candid about her feelings. She does not hide herself behind her disability and is emotional. In fact, she is a drama queen, I must say. She is very fond of getting into the creative and artistic field and enjoys mingling with people.”
Anita strongly feels that such fashion shows set an example and instill hope for persons with disabilities to achieve their dreams.
“This fashion show is important for Riza and all the other models with Down syndrome. India is still lagging behind in this area and there is a taboo about persons with disabilities. Such events bring out the creative side of many such individuals suffering from various disorders. Will bring it to the fore,” Anita said.
Riza was selected in an online audition in February this year. The criteria were her costume (she opted for an Indo-Western fusion look), a question-and-answer session on her personality and a short ramp walk.