CreakyJoints Joins Michael Kuluva to Virtually Present the Tumbler and Tipsy Fashion Show
“The pandemic has upended everyone’s lives, particularly those who are at increased risk because of underlying conditions or living with a chronic disease, like I do. When I need support, I’m glad I can count on CreakyJoints to be there for me. CreakyJoints’ parent organization, the Global Healthy Living Foundation, jumped into action and launched a COVID-19 Patient Leadership Council and online Support Program, available to join for free at GHLF.org. Additionally, I can find community day or night on CreakyJoints social media channels, log my symptoms into the ArthritisPower mobile app, and participate in their monthly #CreakyChats.
I’m thrilled to bring my COVID-conscious collection to a global audience because being physically distant does not have to preclude joint celebrations. My new collection was inspired by my desire to inject light, color, and happiness into our world, which may feel smaller as we hunker down to protect each other during the pandemic. When I get dressed in something that looks amazing and feels great, it sets the tone for the rest of my day. I hope my collection inspires self-care.”
— Michael Kuluva
© 2020 CreakyJoints. All rights reserved
Part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation
Michael Kuluva, a fashion designer living with rheumatoid arthritis, and CreakyJoints had to get creative to safely present the Spring/Summer 2021 Tumbler and Tipsy collection during New York Fashion Week.
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As a fashion designer living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and CreakyJoints member, Michael Kuluva is an arthritis patient advocate who has incorporated inspirational messages about living with chronic illness into his New York Fashion Week fashion shows for years.
This year, he is also advocating for social distancing and following guidelines to stay safe and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is why Michael took a different approach to present the latest collection of his Tumbler and Tipsy fashion line.
Rather than hosting an in-person show in New York City, Michael opted to create a virtual video called “The Newest Normal” collection event. Filmed in Canada where Michael is residing during the pandemic, it will be presented virtually and premiere on YouTube on September 16, 2020 at 8 PM ET.
You can watch the show with fellow members of the CreakyJoints community. Join our Zoom Watch Party and participate in an exclusive discussion with Michael, a model from the show, and CreakyJoints patient advocates and staffers.
A Word About COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Michael Kuluva and Tumbler and Tipsy took a number of precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the production of “The Newest Normal.” All participants, including the models pictured in the video as well as the crew, answered screening questions about COVID exposure and symptoms before the shoot and upon arrival, in accordance with local Ontario health guidelines. Call times were staggered to limit the number of people present at any given time. Everyone received a temperature check and used hand sanitizer upon arrival and then again throughout the day. Cast and production members followed social distancing guidelines and wore face masks when not filming.
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DISTANT, FASHIONABLE, AND CONNECTING THE CHRONIC ILLNESS COMMUNITY
CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We represent patients through our popular social media channels, our website www.CreakyJoints.org, and the 50-State Network, which includes more than 1,500 trained volunteer patient activists.
As part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, CreakyJoints also has a patient-reported outcomes registry called ArthritisPower® with nearly 30,000 consented arthritis patients who track their disease while volunteering to participate in longitudinal and observational research. CreakyJoints also publishes the popular “Raising the Voice of Patients” series, which are downloadable patient-centered navigational tools for managing chronic illness. For more information and to become a member (for free), visit www.CreakyJoints.org. To participate in our patient-centered research program, visit www.ArthritisPower.org.
A Message from Michael Kuluva
The Newest Normal collection features comfortable clothing that is perfect for lounging around — and who isn’t spending more time at home these days — but still stands out from the crowd with high-volume colors and glam touches that will make the wearer feel confident.
Always inclusive for people living with chronic pain and disabilities, Michael’s clothing is easy to put on and many of the collection pieces feature hand-painted, glow-in the-dark details that are thoughtfully placed to emphasize where people living with arthritis experience pain — on the inside and out.
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Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images
Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images
Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images
Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images
Photo Credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images