Laughter echoed through the Faculty for Technical Studies in Travnik that day. Entering the building, climbing the stairs, walking through hallways and classrooms, it was impossible not to feel the joy and excitement that filled the air ahead of the fashion show „Happiness is in fashion“.  

One by one, children and young people with disabilities stepped onto the runway, confidently presenting the clothing and accessories they had designed and created through the project “Happiness Is in Fashion.”

Seventy children and young people with disabilities, members of the Association „Sreća za sve“ from Travnik, participated in this project. Over the course of four months, they developed creative and practical skills while building self-confidence through workshops in fashion design, tailoring, sewing, accessory making, and modelling, with the support of university students, faculty staff, and professional mentors.

The fashion show marked the culmination of the project and, beyond providing a unique experience, offered participants an opportunity to showcase the results of their months of dedication and hard work. Those in attendance witnessed that every design presented on the runway was the product of collaboration, creativity, and commitment from everyone involved.

The project “Happiness Is in Fashion” is being implemented within the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3  - ReLOaD3) funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with 14 municipalities and cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Municipality of Travnik. The project is implemented by the Association “Grafx” in cooperation with the Association “Sreća za sve” and the Faculty of Technical Studies in Travnik.

The initiative was designed to enhance the social inclusion, self-confidence, and visibility of children and young people with disabilities within their local community.

““Happiness is sharing happiness, because happiness is in fashion.” This message best captures the spirit of the project: the greatest values are created when a community recognizes the potential of every child, provides opportunities for them to demonstrate their abilities, and celebrates each achievement alongside them. In this way, inclusion becomes a reality, and the community becomes a place where every child can grow, create, and belong,” said project coordinator Amna Tuzović.

For Emina Softić, founder and president of the Association “Sreća za sve,” the day of the fashion show was “a very special day for all of us.”

“All of our activities are focused on practical inclusion and increasing the visibility of persons with disabilities,” Emina explained. “There were many challenges throughout the project because our association brings together people with disabilities who have different diagnoses and capacities. Yet it was truly inspiring to see them participate in the project activities according to their abilities and possibilities - from creating clothing and fashion accessories to confidently stepping onto the stage.”

The fashion show concluded with many tears of joy and heartfelt applause for those who bravely walked the runway. While the “Happiness Is in Fashion” project is approaching its end, it is clear that its impact will not end with the final applause. What it leaves behind - greater self-confidence, acceptance, and opportunities for children and young people with disabilities - will endure long after the runway lights have dimmed.

Photo 1: Participant at the fashion show

Photo 2: Design workshop

Photo 3: In addition to clothes, participants also designed accessories, such as tote bags.