What is Break Free NYFW?
Break Free NYFW, is the Break Free Foundation's Semi-Annual Fundraiser held in February and September
Break Free, also known as Recovery on the Runway, is leading the discussion on mental health, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders within the fashion industry and beyond. Every runway season, we host a fashion showcase that has mental health and recovery take center stage during New York Fashion Week.
Every season, we invite activists to walk the runway and showcase their designs to spread the message that there is life beyond recovery.
A majority of the proceeds from this showcase will go to the Break Free Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to assist those seeking treatment for a substance use disorder through attending a rehabilitation and outpatient center.
This Season’s Show
On Saturday, September 7th, the Break Free Foundation returns for their Sixth New York Fashion Week showcase. Tickets range from $25-75 and are available here.
This immersive fashion show features live entertainment, designers showcasing the latest styles, red-carpet interviews, and networking with designers, creatives, and industry experts.
6 pm: Doors open to the venue, and mocktails will be served to all
7 pm: The fashion show begins
September is National Recovery Month, a month to celebrate those who have sought recovery from a substance use disorder and to encourage others to seek ways to gain sobriety and live a sober lifestyle.
In honor of National Recovery Month, you can use code RECOVERYMONTH for $5 off your order. If you are a person in recovery and cannot afford to attend the showcase, please email us at team@breakfreefoundation.org for information on gaining complimentary access to the showcase.
Why a Runway Show?
Break Free NYFW was founded by Alexandra Nyman. In 2019, Nyman made her official premiere as a designer during NYFW under the moniker LadyCat. Alexandra wanted to use this platform she was provided with the spread a deeper message about mental health and titled her first collection "Therapy".
The inspiration for “Therapy” came from her brother and his mental health journey. "He has faced so much since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I am in awe of his strength every day. He is my driving force and main inspiration in all I do. In collaborating with my brother, I have learned how to be a better mental health advocate and how to ensure he gets the care he needs.
"I wanted this collection to inspire others to seek help and to take their mental health as seriously as my brother does. He has learned to be vocal about his needs and how to support him on his mental health journey. This collection served as a visual reminder of the need for all to do the same," Alexandra recalled when she thought back on the launch of "Therapy".
And though it wasn't perfect, it was a learning experience for her that sparked the inspiration behind Break Free. To create a space for sober and mental health advocates to share their art with other like-minded individuals in a showcase during NYFW. And to lead the conversation on substance use disorder and mental health within the industry.
Showcase Impact
The first showcase for Break Free NYFW was held on Monday, February 14th, 2022, and featured six designers. The showcase sold out and had around three hundred people in attendance. The show was held at Ideal Glass Studios and was embraced by members of the press with coverage in Forbes, E Online, Seventeen Magazine Online, Time Out New York, Yahoo, Digital Journal, Fashion Week Online, and No Kill Magazine to name a few.
Co-sponsored by Recovery Centers of America, Break Free sold out its 350-plus seats and secured an ample donation to 10,000 Beds, which raises funds to send individuals suffering from substance abuse to rehabilitation centers. Break Free was able to grant ten scholarships through this fundraiser and their partnership with 10,000 Beds. In September, for their second showcase, Break Free established a new memorial scholarship fund in memory of Sergent Tyler for veterans and active service members struggling with substance use disorders. This fund will be awarded to two individuals.
