In 2018, actress Selma Blair’s life changed forever. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that impacts the central nervous system. In MS, damaged nerves, caused by lesions, struggle to communicate with the brain. In 2021, Selma announced she was in remission and no new lesions were forming.
A helpful encounter with a stylist inspired Selma to create her own adaptive fashion line with designer Isaac Mizrahi. She hopes to help others with disabilities and is embracing her role as an advocate.
"I'm doing so much better, so much better," Selma said during an appearance on Today. "I still have symptoms and dystonia [involuntary muscle contractions] and things that people might read as a little more extreme. It's just kind of a part of who I am, but my spirit is really good, and life has been great."
"We're taught you don't look capable if you're carrying around a chronic disease," Selma explained. This is what inspired her to create her own clothing line with Isaac. It has features such as elastic and magnets instead of buttons, which makes clothing easier for people with disabilities. All items in the line are also machine washable.
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Selma and Isaac’s line will be available beginning on October 6, 2023, on QVC. Selma is a QVC brand ambassador and has worked hard to get more adaptive projects on the network.
“You have to be a squeaky wheel to get what you want," she explained. "There aren’t a lot of allies in the disabled community that are lucky enough to be on the platform that I have to bring things out."
Selma recognizes her privilege and has shifted her mindset with her diagnosis. “I’ve really changed a lot of my own perceptions of disability and [now realize] what heroes so many people in the disabled community are,” she mused. She wants to be of service.
"A lot of people aren’t getting the help and attention that they could," she said. "When I’m talking about one of my issues that’s meant to cover a broader theme, not anyone else’s disability, but a broader theme of what it can do to feel supported in your community.” It is her hope that by sharing her own story, others can learn from it.
