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Dwarf models to walk tall at fashion show in Dubai

Dubai - The show was launched in 2014 and has taken place in New York, Paris and Japan Fashion Week so far.

A little people fashion show is coming to Dubai with an aim to break down stereotypes of what "beauty is meant to be".
The International Dwarf Fashion Show, which has 15 female little women models under four feet tall, has announced that it will be doing a show in Dubai on May 20. The show was launched in 2014 and has taken place in New York, Paris and Japan Fashion Week so far.
Rachel Benhamou, executive producer of the show, told Khaleej Times over the phone that the fashion event aims to show that "beauty can be in any form". "The show is changing the way people think. The event will raise awareness to show that beauty has many forms. Models shouldn't be just tall and skinny and they can be of any form, size or shape. You don't have to be a professional model to be in this show, beauty is in many forms," Benhamou said.
The fashion show has 15 models who come from all walks of life and have been recruited from places such as New York, Paris and a few from Dubai.
The models will be walking down the ramp in creations designed and made in New York City by American Wardrobe.
"Favourited by Tyra Banks, a pioneer in matter of showcasing models of all shapes and colours, The International Dwarf Fashion Show is not your average size red carpet event. Unlike the 5.9 inches and 120 pounds you usually see on the catwalk. (the show) will bring back the essence of the fashion by going beyond the physical height standard: Each model is less than four feet," a media release by the organising team of the show said. 
"There is one goal - to empower women by reversing the diktats of beauty and breaking down stereotypes. For too long, disable individuals affected by dwarfism have been the victims of discrimination." 
A little person and a long time resident in Dubai, Vinod, who's publicly known as Magician Charlie, said little people have always been welcomed with open arms in the UAE.
"I believe that UAE is the land of peace and love. The government is giving unconditional support for dwarf people, like me, and lot of opportunities to live and work here. These kinds of fashion shows help us grow and express our abilities," he said. 
Khaleej Times covered Vinod's story before, where he spoke about finally getting his driver's licence after eight failed tests. He said he read about additional accessories that make cars adaptable for him.
Even though the UAE is welcoming, other parts of the world have attacked the International Dwarf Fashion Show with hate comments, according to Benhamou. 
"It's from people who are open to these kinds of people. There needs to be more awareness," she said.
The venue for the fashion show is yet to be announced.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com