Backstage at Wiederhoeft

Model on the runway at the Wiederhoeft fashion show.

When I heard Wiederhoeft was putting on a performance show with 62 models, all centered around inclusivity, I knew I had to be there. I needed to witness it firsthand. And what a fantastic experience it was! Imagine a backstage filled with life, energy, and real people from all walks of life, celebrating diversity through bold garments designed to stand out.

Being part of this celebration was magical! I was lucky enough to help dress three models—two brides and another who was just as radiant. Every garment screamed individuality, confidence, and a boldness that made the models shine.

Jackson Wiederhoeft surrounded by his bridal designs.

Wiederhoeft's collection, with sizes now ranging from 000 to 32, is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity. This shift is particularly meaningful in bridal fashion, where options for people outside of “standard” sizes have been awfully lacking. I’ve worked with brides before, and it’s heartbreaking to see how often they have to settle for something that doesn’t truly fit them or their vision because of limited size ranges. But not here—here, everyone was catered to, everyone was celebrated.

The show itself was pure theater, a true reflection of what Wiederhoeft is all about: buffoonery, mockery, and an unapologetic celebration of individuality. It was my last backstage experience of the season, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up fashion week.

Wiederhoeft launched in 2019 with a story ballet as their debut, and since then, they’ve been bringing the magic of live performance into fashion. As they describe it, "Buffoonery! Bamboozlement! Mockery!" are the muses that guide the Wiederhoeft dreamscape, and you could feel it all at this show. Their dedication to theater and dance comes through in every collection, blending couture-level craftsmanship with a sense of fun and irreverence that you can’t help but fall in love with.

This season’s collection was not just a showcase of clothes, but a celebration of every kind of person: different colors, cultures, and gender expressions. It was about expanding the boundaries of what fashion can be and who it can be for. And that’s exactly why Wiederhoeft gives me hope. Fashion for everyone is possible, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been there to see it all unfold with my own eyes.

What I liked the most was Wiederhoeft’s approach to inclusivity, which is not about creating a separate line for plus sizes like many brands do. True inclusivity is about giving everyone access to the same high-quality, high-desire pieces. It’s about ensuring that everyone can wear something extraordinary and feel seen. That’s the kind of inclusivity fashion desperately needs.

And if you think inclusivity and diversity are just trends, Wiederhoeft is living proof that they’re here to stay.