[Izziwhizzi]

Debenhams Use A Disabled Spinal Cord Injury Model - Shannon Murray

Shannon Murray, 32, uses her wheelchair as a prop in the photo shoot alongside standing models and designer Ben de Lisi.

The actress and model has been modelling for 14 years but this is a first for a High Street store, which she said is another small step towards inclusion for the disabled.

"I hope the images challenge a few misconceptions about disability; it's been a long time coming", Shannon told the Daily Mail.

The campaign is promoting Ben de Lisi's new fashion range for the relaunched Principles brand in Debenhams.

The campaign has been partnered up with Channel 4's TV show How To Look Good Naked, where stylist Gok Wan encourages the fashion industry to take on disabled women.

Debenhams also included a size 16 model in the campaign, along with a 5ft 4 model and a size 10 model to show diversity.

The shoot will appear in the Oxford Street branch window in London.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-...-Debenhams.html

Edited to add link info.

This post has been edited by Apparelyzed: 26 February 2010 - 11:05 AM

[Trinity]

Despite what the Daily Mail say, she doesn't look that "confined to a wheelchair" to me!
Nice one Debenhams though!

[Izziwhizzi]

even more photos appeared today

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-...-Debenhams.html

[edlee]

What makes you say, Trin, that she doesn't look 'Confined to a wheelchair"? Her posture is certainly good,, is there something you know that you aren't saying?

But, then,,, none of us are really confined,,,, we can also lie on a bed,,,, or on the side of the road, for that matter.

At least the chair looks good on her,,,
ed

[Trinity]

edlee, on Feb 26 2010, 08:26 PM, said:

What makes you say, Trin, that she doesn't look 'Confined to a wheelchair"? Her posture is certainly good,, is there something you know that you aren't saying?

But, then,,, none of us are really confined,,,, we can also lie on a bed,,,, or on the side of the road, for that matter.

At least the chair looks good on her,,,
ed

I really dislike the term "confined" it kinda makes me think of solitary confinement, a pretty negative connotation, the same goes when someone says wheelchair bound. I also equally hate the Daily Mail!!

I think the photos are excellent, not just the ones of the disabled model but also the plus size models, it's about time we lost the size zeros imo!

[knightrider]

Plus size models??.... Look at the black chick, not exactly a size 16 is she lol

[rue2you]

So...I am a 12 on the bottom half (because of muscle loss) and a 14-16 on top (because I am a nursing mom!) and I am glad they are including woman of all sizes and abilities. We are ALL beautiful if we think we are. I agree with Trin - no offense but her calves look like they have muscle. Course, in all fairness, I guess mine do too but I have always carried my weight in my bum and thighs. People that know me would know my legs have gotten smaller but I guess a stranger would think I look "normal" now. Who knows. I have now reached the point of rambling....

[ClaraTaylor]

So which is the size 16 model? Am I being blind because I can't see any plump chick there.

The SCI woman has wonderful legs, but then do we know if she's an incomplete? Or just how much exercising it takes to look that good? Oohhh we sound like complete pervs / devotees.

[Trinity]

rue2you, on Feb 27 2010, 12:07 AM, said:

I agree with Trin - no offense but her calves look like they have muscle. Course, in all fairness, I guess mine do too but I have always carried my weight in my bum and thighs. People that know me would know my legs have gotten smaller but I guess a stranger would think I look "normal" now. Who knows. I have now reached the point of rambling....

Wait! I in no way meant that she wasn't disabled or didn't look disabled, it was the use of the word confined that I had issues with!

ClaraTaylor, on Feb 27 2010, 07:54 AM, said:

So which is the size 16 model? Am I being blind because I can't see any plump chick there.

The SCI woman has wonderful legs, but then do we know if she's an incomplete? Or just how much exercising it takes to look that good? Oohhh we sound like complete pervs / devotees.

I'm guessing the one in the middle! I think she is probably more "big boned" than fat, and she is wearing the right clothes for her body shape, no muffin tops here!

The SCI woman has a great figure full stop!

[Apparelyzed]

The image of Shannon in Google results shows her out of her wheelchair, but the image in the news report is different, which is a bit odd. http://news.google.com/news/search?um=1&am...2&scoring=n

Bit of sloppy reporting I think, saying she's "confined to a wheelchair", then showing such a pose contradicting the reporter's statement.

Simon

[Trinity]

Apparelyzed, on Feb 27 2010, 12:08 PM, said:

The image of Shannon in Google results shows her out of her wheelchair, but the image in the news report is different, which is a bit odd. http://news.google.com/news/search?um=1&am...2&scoring=n

Bit of sloppy reporting I think, saying she's "confined to a wheelchair", then showing such a pose contradicting the reporter's statement.

Simon

Hmm, damn the Daily Mail for changing the pictures! The one in Simon's link was the one that I saw when I posted.

Obviously someone else agreed that the words and the pictures didn't match!

For anyone who missed it his was the original picture in the article

[ShannonM]

ClaraTaylor, on Feb 27 2010, 07:54 AM, said:

So which is the size 16 model? Am I being blind because I can't see any plump chick there.

The SCI woman has wonderful legs, but then do we know if she's an incomplete? Or just how much exercising it takes to look that good? Oohhh we sound like complete pervs / devotees.

Hello
I just thought I'd log in and clarify the technical details with fellow SCI club members.
My injury was sustained in 1990 at C7 but I'm T2 complete. (No walking)
With regard to my legs, I think that is just luck! (I have to confess to not being a regular user of my standing frame!)
Shannon

[qbounce]

Trinity, on Feb 27 2010, 05:37 AM, said:

Apparelyzed, on Feb 27 2010, 12:08 PM, said:

The image of Shannon in Google results shows her out of her wheelchair, but the image in the news report is different, which is a bit odd. http://news.google.com/news/search?um=1&am...2&scoring=n

Bit of sloppy reporting I think, saying she's "confined to a wheelchair", then showing such a pose contradicting the reporter's statement.

Simon

Hmm, damn the Daily Mail for changing the pictures! The one in Simon's link was the one that I saw when I posted.

Obviously someone else agreed that the words and the pictures didn't match!

For anyone who missed it his was the original picture in the article

I'm confined to my chair, but also find myself in poses like this one from time to time, accidentally! Anyway, it's refreshing to see, and I hope the trend spreads across the pond!

[wheeliebear75]

Well I guess she died her hair.......so which is THE REAL color? Would be interesting to find out if she is truly disabled or if it is just a new modeling gimmick.

[Tetracyclone]

rue2you, on Feb 26 2010, 07:07 PM, said:

So...I am a 12 on the bottom half (because of muscle loss) and a 14-16 on top (because I am a nursing mom!) and I am glad they are including woman of all sizes and abilities. We are ALL beautiful if we think we are. I agree with Trin - no offense but her calves look like they have muscle. Course, in all fairness, I guess mine do too but I have always carried my weight in my bum and thighs. People that know me would know my legs have gotten smaller but I guess a stranger would think I look "normal" now. Who knows. I have now reached the point of rambling....

Hey Rue,
I'm incomplete and my calves now look entirely normal, filled in a bit from exercise, but they used to be massive. Could not were women's boots at all.

[rue2you]

I'm sorry, but the women in these two pictures look different! Not just the hair, the face even. I hope I'm wrong. If they are going to use disabled people for models - they better be real!! If not, I agree, a new marketing strategy. "Let's reach new groups. Larger women, disabled, short, etc. Maybe I am just in a doubting mood tonight! I better go to bed!

[edlee]

I think you guys missed the post, above, by ShannonM. She < I'm guessing ,, is the model in question. Why not ask her?

And,,, if you really are the model in the pics,,,, You are definitly model material,, chair or no chair.. Beauty is beauty.
ed

[wheeliebear75]

Found an interesting article written back in 2007.......well gang it looks as though she's a legit gimp.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_...icle1289480.ece

[ClaraTaylor]

ShannonM, on Mar 1 2010, 11:58 PM, said:

ClaraTaylor, on Feb 27 2010, 07:54 AM, said:

So which is the size 16 model? Am I being blind because I can't see any plump chick there.

The SCI woman has wonderful legs, but then do we know if she's an incomplete? Or just how much exercising it takes to look that good? Oohhh we sound like complete pervs / devotees.

Hello
I just thought I'd log in and clarify the technical details with fellow SCI club members.
My injury was sustained in 1990 at C7 but I'm T2 complete. (No walking)
With regard to my legs, I think that is just luck! (I have to confess to not being a regular user of my standing frame!)
Shannon

Woot! Thank goodness you didn't say it was down to a strenuous exercise regime else I might have had to have tried it (and exercise is not my friend).

Welcome to the site by the way, we've already decided that you're beautiful.

[greybeard]

wheeliebear75, Why don't you just read THIS POST that appeared just one up from yours?

[Izziwhizzi]

ShannonM, on Mar 1 2010, 11:58 PM, said:

Hello
I just thought I'd log in and clarify the technical details with fellow SCI club members.
My injury was sustained in 1990 at C7 but I'm T2 complete. (No walking)
With regard to my legs, I think that is just luck! (I have to confess to not being a regular user of my standing frame!)
Shannon

Hi Shannon & welcome

Thanks for your post, it helps clarify some of the points in the press.

As has been said before, fabulous legs!!! especially as they are sooo long :-)

Hope that you are getting some really good feedback and reaction to your campaign.

I xx

[cate]

I had seen the TV programe with disable models in some years ago. So well done Sharon, and also to Debenhams for making the move, lets hope there is more.

[megatrig]

Don't people read the posts on here before commenting! deeeeep sigh

Hello and welcome Shannon.

There are some nice normal people on here and some ummm muppets! lol hey ho

ok "confined" to a wheelchair

yes I hate that term to and use "wheelchair user" as I'm not confined .. cars beds rollercoaster rides, bi-skis, skydiving ... all get us "unconfined"

I use confined when booking a ticket to a concert for example!

more anon

[allis53ca]

SHANNON ?....are you single ?

[rue2you]

Okay, I read the article. I am now over my "doubting Thomas" mood.

To Shannon - I have lots of experience eating crow so here goes. I am very sorry that I doubted you. I hope that we see you on here more often and can get to know you. I hope that you will accept my apology and give me another chance to be your friend since I wasn't very welcoming. Good luck with all your dreams!

[wheeliebear75]

greybeard, on Mar 2 2010, 08:49 AM, said:

wheeliebear75, Why don't you just read THIS POST that appeared just one up from yours?

Sorry about that.

[ShannonM]

wheeliebear75, on Mar 2 2010, 10:22 PM, said:

greybeard, on Mar 2 2010, 08:49 AM, said:

wheeliebear75, Why don't you just read THIS POST that appeared just one up from yours?

Sorry about that.

Hello all!
Thank you for the warm welcome (eventually ;-))
I've read the forums on here a number of times when I've been reading up on SCI issues, it's definitely the best one on the web.
Ok - feel I should clear up the hair issue! I'm naturally brunette but from time to time I go blonde for a year or 2, I've been modelling since 1994 so in some photos I have dark brown hair, and some blonde.
Most photoshoots I'm in the chair but sometimes I like to put a different perspective on things and show people that we aren't "confined" to chairs but very able to get out of them as we please.
I completely agree with the points about "wheelchair bound" and "confined" but unfortunately I'm not in a position to have final copy on articles! I'll continue to try and challenge stereotypes but it might take me a little longer to address vocabulary...
Thank you for all your support.
Sx

[greybeard]

Great to have you here Shannon. Good luck with the project.

[allis53ca]

sheesh...i was the only one nice to her and she didn't even answer the single question..i'm crawlin back into my cave

[Izziwhizzi]

allis53ca, on Mar 2 2010, 05:36 PM, said:

SHANNON ?....are you single ?

....................

sheesh...i was the only one nice to her and she didn't even answer the single question..i'm crawlin back into my cave

lol!! nice?? you really think thats a nice or even a good start to a conversation with a young lady??

This post has been edited by Izziwhizzi: 03 March 2010 - 06:31 PM