From a media release:
Finally. An inclusive fashion TV show for people of all abilities. AMI, in partnership with Nikki Ray Media Agency (Fire Masters, Home to Win), is pleased to announce the debut of Fashion Dis —hosted by Ardra Shephard—on Wednesday, February 9, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv.
Fashion Dis promises to be a game-changer in the makeover space, challenging traditional norms that lack inclusion. Each episode of Fashion Dis celebrates the head-to-toe overhaul of a frustrated style seeker discouraged by an industry that lacks adaptive options.
From innovative clothing design to transformative beauty techniques, our expert team reveals the latest in fashion-forward thinking and shows those ready to rock their best body exactly how to do it.
“It’s exciting to be part of something that’s never been done before,” says show creator and host Ardra Shephard. “I want the disabled style-seekers who watch Fashion Dis to feel seen, to feel elevated. I hope this show challenges what people think about disability. And in our own little way, I think Fashion Dis can be culture changing.”
“Fashion Dis is a series that is long overdue,” says John Melville, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, AMI-audio/AMI-tv. “We can’t wait for our viewers to meet Ardra, the experts and participants, and the companies that offer adaptive options to Canadians of all abilities.”
Host Ardra Shephard
Ardra Shephard is the influential Canadian writer behind the award-winning blog, Tripping on Air. With an international reach and reputation, Ardra is a leader in the chronic illness community. Ardra is the host of AMI-tv’s ground-breaking new television series Fashion Dis and is a Healthline columnist (Ask Ardra Anything).
Ardra regularly writes for international publications and was recently featured on the cover of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Momentum Magazine, the largest MS-related publication in the world (winter 2020). She has contributed to FASHION, InStyle, WebMD, Everyday Health and others. Ardra was named one of the top MS bloggers “in the universe” by feedspot.com, and Yahoo Lifestyle reported that “@ms_trippingonair is the number one chronic illness account to follow on Instagram.”
Ardra is a leader in the MS community who is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with serious illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society, while empowering those with chronic illness to stake their place in the world.
The experts
Bella Strange, makeup artist
Bella is a makeup artist catering to the LGBTQ+, disability and special effects communities.
Susan Shipley, hair stylist
Susan is a master stylist with extensive experience in accessible hair care services.
Izzy Camilleri, style expert
Izzy is one of Canada’s leading fashion designers and a pioneer in adaptive clothing.
Melonie Lawrence, art director
Melonie is a fashion stylist who believes great style can be achieved regardless of size, colour, creed or cash flow.
KC Armstrong, photographer
KC is an award-winning advertising, editorial and portrait photographer.
In keeping with AMI’s mandate of making accessible media for all Canadians, Season one of Fashion Dis features Integrated Described Video (IDV) making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Season One of Fashion Dis was filmed under strict local COVID-19 protocols.
Fashion Dis debuts Wednesday, February 9, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Episodes can be streamed on demand on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv App for Apple and Android.
