A WOODLEY boy had a starring role in a fashion show last weekend.
Seven-year-old Archie Rosier walked down the runway at the event showcasing a range of clothes designed by Harvey Price for fashion label Born Anxious.
Harvey is the son of former model Katie Price. He was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, and is partially blind and autistic.
Born Anxious aims to make clothing which takes the additional sensory processing needs of children with neurodiverse conditions into consideration.
Archie’s proud mum Samantha explains: “Archie is autistic and has ADHD, so much of his daily life involves some kind of segregation.”
“So for him to be able to take part in a day which celebrates what neurodiverse children can do rather than can’t do was incredible.”
Owner of the label Kellie Croft is herself a parent of an autistic child.
“Being a parent of a child with additional needs can be an isolating experience,” Sam says.
“Kellie and I got to know each other online after I came across the website, and that’s how Archie came to be involved in the show.”
He was accompanied on the runway by older brother Dexter, aged 9, to help him to feel confident. Dexter won the 2021 Pride of Reading Award for Fundraiser of the Year. He was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to raise funds for the Royal Berks Charity by holding quizes and running a marathon over seven days.
“Both of the boys were so excited and loved the trip,” Sam says.
“They had to wait backstage, and have hair and make-up done.
“I was a bit worried about how Archie would be with the wait and it was his first time doing anything like this, but he smashed it.
“All of the children had pictures of frogs to colour in for Harvey whilst they were waiting, which he said he is going to put up on his wall at college.”
Harvey’s range features a frog motif on items including hoodies, t-shirts and jogging bottoms. He also took part in the show.
“It was such a positive and inspiring experience for Archie to take part in the show and meet Harvey,” Sam says.
“He can see that anything is possible.
“And now has ideas for his own designs for Kellie, which he is going to work on with his teaching support at school.”
The youngsters who took part in the event are being treated to a VIP experience at Madame Tussauds London at the beginning of next month, arranged by charity Merlin’s Magic Wand.
Archie has cleared his Lego shelf for Harvey’s clothes and hopes to take part in future Born Anxious events.
For more information, visit: bornanxious.co.uk
