Break Free Foundation Empowers Survivors and Celebrates Sobriety in an Immersive Fashion Experience on October 6 in New York

Break Free Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers survivors and celebrates recovery, announced its upcoming fashion showcase, Recovery on the Runway. This event highlights the intersection of fashion, mental health, and recovery, taking place on Sunday, October 6 at DCTV in New York City. The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience featuring cutting-edge fashion and moving messages of hope and resilience.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with mocktails provided to all guests served by Michael Toscano of Pathfinder, followed by the much-anticipated fashion show at 6 p.m. The showcase will feature inspiring designers who share a commitment to promoting inclusivity, mental health awareness, and breaking the stigma surrounding substance use and co-occurring disorders within the fashion industry.

Designers like Devan Markiewicz of Dmarxx Designs infuse their personal recovery journeys into their work, creating pieces that are both impactful and environmentally conscious. Or like renowned Project Runway finalist Nancy Volpe Beringer who will showcase her innovative, sustainable designs, continuing her mission to advocate for inclusivity and adaptability in fashion. Her pieces, born from a desire to amplify unheard voices in the fashion world, prove that fashion can be both impactful and environmentally conscious.

Designers showcasing their collections include:

This season’s event is even more significant as Break Free partners with Flat Out Love, a nonprofit supporting breast cancer survivors who have chosen to live flat after mastectomy. Many of the models walking the runway will be Flat Out Love members, sharing their strength and beauty on a night celebrating both Sober October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Break Free Foundation and Flat Out Love, two organizations committed to supporting individuals on their journeys of recovery—whether from substance use, mental health, or breast cancer. At Break Free, we believe in celebrating all forms of recovery, and we are honored to offer this platform to amplify voices that are often unheard.

Alexandra Nyman, Founder of the Break Free Foundation, expressed her excitement for the event, stating, "Recovery on the Runway is a platform for individuals to share their stories of strength and resilience through fashion. We are honored to host this event and celebrate all forms of recovery." 

This event is proudly supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health, Pathfinder, Clean Cause, fashion designer Nancy Volpe Beringer, The Sober Curator, NAMI NYC, Just Us Teenz, New York Makeup Academy, the Paul Mitchell School, Rehab Studios, and Sober is the New Cool—all of whom share our commitment to advocating for mental health, sobriety, and recovery.

Join us for an evening of transformative storytelling through fashion. Together, we are breaking barriers, ending stigma, and celebrating life after recovery.

For more information about Break Free Foundation and Recovery on the Runway, visit https://www.breakfreefoundation.org.

Based in New York, Break Free Foundation is at the forefront of eradicating the stigma associated with mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders. Dedicated to providing scholarships for those unable to afford necessary treatment, the foundation leverages the power of fashion through its Break Free NYFW runway fundraisers. These unique events, coupled with monthly virtual gatherings, underscore our commitment to education, support, harm reduction, and advocacy. Our vision is a society where individuals and families affected by these challenges can access quality treatment and embark on a sustainable path to and through recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.breakfreefoundation.org.