The Arc of Northeast Colorado is preparing to try on something entirely new — both for this longtime nonprofit advocacy organization and foundational resource for the regional disability population and for the community at large. And, as The Arc is excited to reveal, new for the area's avid fashionistas.
Through its upcoming “Styles Beyond Stereotypes” fashion show, local up-and-coming designer Ryland Alms will showcase his custom creations, modeled by The Arc’s enthusiastic clients on the runway. This event represents a significant step toward fulfilling The Arc’s mission:
“We aim to dismantle false stereotypes and shift perceptions, thereby opening new doors and opportunities for those often marginalized in our society.”
Ryland is a Colorado State University graduate and accomplished designer whose boundless ambitions have taken the prodigy all the way to Los Angeles. There, he was head-hunted by a variety of high-profile luxury brands and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with notable celebrities in the field. Ryland moved back to Colorado in 2023, and it was then that his mother had a chance encounter with The Arc’s Director of Development, Lori Couch, at a Windsor Chamber of Commerce meetup. Ryland later met with Lori, which led to the brainstorming and creation of "Styles Beyond Stereotypes."
“I became fully committed to the project,” Ryland says, reflecting on how his passion for fashion was revitalized by this endeavor. “The idea has been recreating and repurposing vintage wares donated by the arc Thrift Stores that are then being fitted and styled out for each of the models who will be exhibiting at the show.”
Ryland acknowledges that working with this specialized community has led to certain challenges that he has had to adapt to in completing the task at hand. However, these subtle tweaks to his workflow have motivated and inspired him.
Indeed, he has been disheartened by revelations that fellow fashion industry professionals with whom he’s reached out for counsel have confessed their callous disinterest in attempting to integrate such needful adaptations that have limited and outright prohibited productions and exhibitions by their own brands.
“A lot of this is about doing everything The Arc and I can do to make sure the models we’re working with feel accepted and have a sense of normalcy in this space,” Ryland says.
Lori, who has served in her role since March 2023, views “Styles Beyond Stereotypes” as a way to expand the public’s understanding of The Arc of Northeast Colorado (formerly The Arc of Weld County) and to drive both awareness and fundraising efforts for the organization.
In developing the upcoming fashion show with Ryland, Lori hoped to bring greater attention to The Arc and the arc Thrift Stores — the largest employer of individuals with disabilities in the state — while clarifying the distinction between the two entities.
“When people think of The Arc, their minds usually go to the thrift stores,” Lori observes. “That’s great, too, especially for what they do for our clients and the financial support they provide us. But, what we do at The Arc of Northeast Colorado needs to be better understood so that we can continue to progress toward our mission goals.”
Lori cheerfully anticipates that putting together “Styles Beyond Stereotypes” will have a positive effect on Ryland, similar to the joy he has already experienced in partnering with The Arc of Northeast Colorado.
“I think the superpower that all of these individuals we work with have is the ability to give other people perspective,” says Lori — who is herself a mother of a child with disabilities and a client of The Arc. “And, when you find that perspective, it changes your life. We really believe that this event will help folks see a different side of what disability is, too.”
Greeley native Jacob Carpio, 18, says his favorite part of being a client of The Arc is their offering of adaptive basketball and other sports/recreational programs. Jacob’s impetus for becoming a model in the show stemmed from the knowledge that the event would be a charitable one.
“When I first heard about it, I thought it was time for me to give something back,” Jacob explains. “It seemed like an important thing for me to do. I hope more and more people will become aware of The Arc, help the disabled, and see that we can do a lot more than they may think.”
"I think the superpower that all of these individuals have is the ability to give people perspective."
“Styles Beyond Stereotypes” will take place on Saturday, October 12th, at 6 p.m. at the Aims Community College Welcome Center in Greeley (4901 W. 20th Street). More information and tickets available at: StylesBeyondStereotypes.org.