In this episode, we talk with Daniel Grier, Creative Director and Adaptive Stylist for the recent Every Body Blooms fashion event presented by NCHPAD and UAB Arts in Medicine. Held on April 2, 2026, the event highlighted individuals with physical disabilities and mobility limitations as artists, models, and collaborators, celebrating self-expression, individuality, and creativity.
Visit the Every Body Blooms page for all the content from the show and learn more about Daniel, the team, and the models.
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Episode Transcript
Quick Navigation (click the linked text below to jump to a new section)
- Intro
- Daniel’s personal and professional background
- Daniel’s experience working with individuals with mobility limitations
- What Daniel hoped to achieve with this event
- Did the creative vision or mission change in planning?
- Why events like Every Body Blooms are so important in our society
- The design and curating process for the models
- The four scenes from the show
- Balancing creativity with accessibility
- Most rewarding moments for Daniel
- The lessons he learned
- What Daniel hoped the attendees felt or learned by the end of the night
- Daniel’s final message
*Edited for clarity*
Host 0:04
This is Wellness, Health and Everything Else: a NCHPAD Podcast.
Welcome to Wellness, Health and Everything Else: a NCHPAD Podcast. NCHPAD is the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability – the nation’s premier center dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of everyone. In each episode, we explore topics at the intersection of health, wellness and mobility limitations. If you have an idea for a topic, would like to learn more about a topic or are interested in our free resources, programs and partnership opportunities, email us at nchpad@uab.edu, give us a call at 866-866-8896 or check out our website at nchpad.org.
Host 0:51
In this episode, we talk with Daniel Grier, the Creative Director and Adaptive Stylist for the recent Every Body Blooms fashion event from NCHPAD and UAB Arts in Medicine. The event took place on April 2, 2026, and featured individuals with physical disabilities and mobility limitations as artists, models and collaborators with the goal of celebrating self-expression, individuality, and creativity.
To get the episode started, Daniel discussed his personal and professional background and how it had helped him prepare for this event.
Daniel Grier 1:20
My name is Daniel Greer. I’m an artist and a fashion designer. I actually am from Birmingham, Alabama, so I got into fashion as I was actually a student at UAB, going to school for community health education. Somewhere between junior year and going into senior year, I discovered my love for fashion and sustainability, and it just really took off for me. So, I never really looked back ever since. So I’ve been literally creating my fashion label Splashed by DKG, being the creative force behind that, and then eventually being in the city of Birmingham, realizing that the creatives there didn’t really have a space to get together and have a platform to show off their work, you know, build community amongst each other. So, I founded Magic City Fashion Week in 2017, and so those are the two things that really keep me busy, outside of my son, and dibbling, dabbling, acting a little bit, and things like that. But that’s mainly what I’m doing. Always creating some clothes or creating some type of experience that brings people together.
Host 2:18
We asked Daniel if he had ever led an event working with individuals with mobility limitations or other disabilities.
Daniel Grier 2:25
I have done events in the past that have definitely featured people from all types of walks of life, specifically with Magic City Fashion Week. When I first set out to do it, the intention behind it was for it to be a diverse space where people could come, meet, connect, like I said, have that high platform to showcase their work. And that is when I started meeting people from all types of walks of life, literally. And I just always made a space for it to be open. So, we’ve always featured people on our runways with Magic City Fashion Week from season one to literally, every season, there has been that diverse representation on our runways, for sure.
Host 3:05
Daniel discussed what he hoped to achieve with this event.
Daniel Grier 3:09
With this event, I set out to accomplish — I really wanted to paint a picture for people when they think about a runway show with people living with disabilities. First of all, what does that even look like? A lot of us consider one way when we think about people living with disabilities, such as someone in a manual wheelchair. So, I wanted to paint a picture for that. I mean, NCHPAD had such a diverse group of people to pull from. I was getting to meet people, learning myself, educating myself, everything that I was learning through this experience from, you know, how people shop to how they connect, how they get around in the world, how they see the world, how they feel like they’re currently represented in the world. And once I found out all those answers, that was like my red, my blue, my yellow, my green for my paintbrush. And I just set out really to make it my business, for us to provide a sense of entertainment, sure, but there always needs to be that moment of education where we show people what it’s like to see the world from someone else’s perspective, and not just see it, but to experience it, to kind of see what some of those struggles are.
I knew one thing also for sure, once this show happened, everybody would be in their clothes, they would be looking good, and all of that. So, it would be important for me to show some of like, what that has looked like behind that. Maybe people didn’t know that for a couple of our participants, just even getting a pair of pants took an hour. So I wanted to figure out ways that we could showcase that and show some of our hurdles could be this, but some of our hurdles are just getting dressed in the morning, and I think that’s something that a lot of us just don’t even think about because we don’t have we don’t have to. But it was very important to showcase all of that, and then once it all came together in its beautiful way, people were able to see this population of people and community differently and hopefully add more respect to it and just make it a world where we can all live together a little more peacefully. A little more fashionably, hopefully.
Host 5:04
We wanted to know if the creative vision or mission changed over the course of planning.
Daniel Grier 5:08
I won’t say the mission changed at all, because the mission was always to showcase this community beautifully, to also show NCHPAD what was possible with all of the passion and resources and things that they were bringing to the table to make this happen. I love that it wasn’t the first art installation, so that was really good for me. So the mission was always to have an amazing show to highlight people living with disabilities and this particular community, and to show the different scenes, show the fashion, and all that good stuff. So that part didn’t change, no, but as we got into things, we did notice certain things, like we have four scenes. Do we really want to have the same models in all four scenes and overwhelm them, possibly, or call someone to maybe have a flare-up, or anything like that? So, things like that had to change, because they’re our stars, we want them to be well taken care of. But no, the mission never changed, and we definitely accomplished it. And I would say, and a bit more, they had a full house of people that came, and people left with raving reviews. I am still full, and on cloud nine from the night myself, and I feel like it’s added more to me and what I know and how I can share what I do in the world as well.
Host 6:23
We asked Daniel why events like Every Body Blooms are so important in our society.
Daniel Grier 6:27
I feel like they’re more than important, they’re crucial. Because everyone — in my humble opinion —everyone in this world wants to be seen and heard. It’s just what makes us feel valuable, and like we have something to share into the world, and when people see it and hear it, it’s just like that moment of connection. It’s like, oh my goodness, this is it! So, knowing that if we were to leave something like this out, I feel like it’s saying to a population, a community of people, “Hey, we don’t see you, maybe we don’t appreciate you.” No one wants to feel erased in the world. I’m a person who grew up in the South, in fashion, all these different things about me that make me who I am. So, I know exactly what it feels like to feel somewhat excluded from things or to see an ad and think I’m not represented in this. So, no one wants to really feel that way.
I want to be very clear when I say I’ve worked for people and produced things in the past, but they weren’t as passionate about the result like it was here. So, coming in on top of that, I just felt like I could just kind of add the toppings on top of this cake, if you will, that’s already been well-baked. And y’all are doing this every day already, so that just gave so much to work with. And I knew with that formula we would have a group of people that would leave wanting more, having given their all to this experience, and hopefully continue to share it in other ways in the future, because we really got to sit and connect and get to know each other. Some of us got lunch the next day together, so that means they really must like me. So yeah, I feel like this is not just a show that happened, but it’s a moment in time that has changed all of our lives.
Host 8:13
Daniel discussed the design and curating process for the models.
Daniel Grier 8:17
The design and curating process for the models? Now that changed. Because I feel like when we first sat down, we thought, okay, we’re going to be getting a lot of pieces cut and sewn, and then when our cast doubled and things like that, we had a lot of things that changed. So, it was a mix of cut and sew. It was a mix of Goodwill. It was a mix of a lot of shopping from all over the south. From me getting to know people, I wanted to see how body type comes into play and functionality goes into play. What colors do they like? You know, people, they’re not going to wear what they don’t want to wear. And then there are some mobility concerns that we had to address as well with some people.
So, getting to know them, and I’m glad we had the time to do that, and once that came into play, I just laid out like a plan for the individual. What would work for that person? Again, I didn’t want to overwhelm them during the show. The whole point of the fashion show is for you to go out there feeling good, having that beautiful expression on your face, and feeling empowered. I don’t want you out there looking tired and, you know, stressed or clothes not the way they need to be, because we’ve run you through all these scenes. Another great thing about this was the clothes they all got to keep, and so I wanted to make sure these were clothes they were going to actually wear. So, it was more than just the show, because they got to keep the clothes and have them going forward, too. So that meant the world to me.
Host 9:42
Here’s Daniel describing the four scenes from the show.
Daniel Grier 9:46
In the showcase itself, we featured four scenes, if you will, one focused on athleisure wear. Come to find out, when I started meeting a lot of the community members like Bob and several others, I was like, “Whoa!” These are Paralympic medalists and, like, rugby coaches and champs and all this stuff. So, of course, we had to have a scene that would show off that that’s what they’re wearing on the regular, because they’re very active people. So that made perfect sense. That was also something that was kind of on the table before I came in. I didn’t want to change that because it already made perfect sense.
Streetwear? That’s just how we show up in the world every day. That’s just what we do. It’s our strongest point of view on how we can show up in the world. So, we definitely wanted to focus there.
Formal wear. Now, that one kind of intimidated me a bit, because I felt like, do we have time to alter tuxedos and all these different things if needed, or make those adaptations again? Because I want people to keep the clothes and live in them and continue to create those memories. But it wasn’t because everyone’s definition of these things is not the same, which was beautiful. So, we had an array of things that happened during formal, which was beautiful, and it expressed their personalities.
And then finally, we had a floral scene, because the theme Every Body Blooms was kind of a floral theme, and I thought it would be so fun. And I think the only thing I added to the lineup was the floral scene. And so, I talked to pretty much all of the models, and they said, “No, hey, we trust you. Do what you’ve got to do. Let’s just have a good time.” So, I knew they were okay with flowers in the hair, clothes, all the things. So, let’s just take it all the way. Let’s close out with that and really show that as a flower, it doesn’t come as a flower — well, unless you buy it from the store as a flower, right? — but if it’s a seed, it’s planted, it’s growing, it’s sprouting, depending on the conditions or factors at play. Flowers can turn out in all types of ways. Sometimes they never really make it to what they could if the conditions aren’t right. Some flowers are so heavy that they just grow lay on the ground. I mean, that’s not ideal, though. So, I thought that was the best way to say what we wanted to say. That we’re all so different. But when you look at a flowerbed, much like what was on the stage, it all comes together to make such a beautiful arrangement.
Host 12:06
Balancing creativity with accessibility was an important goal for Daniel.
Daniel Grier 12:10
My listening skills had to kick in real big. Because I can think of several people who pointed out to me when I think about this question. And so, there were so many things that came into play in that. But again, I listened. I have a notepad that I would always have with me, with my pencil, and I’m writing stuff down. Let me just mention Mary for a second, because she literally was the first person that came to mind. Because I listened to Mary, we have a dress that I hope she wears every day of her life. That dress is so gorgeous to me, and the way she showed up on that night let me know that I was a great listener. I took everything that she said into account. There were certain sleeves that she didn’t like, certain things she didn’t want to be dragging, like the dress was originally really long when we first started. I added a whole new print to it, I altered it in so many different places just to make it for her, but I just felt like it was the right dress and the right color, and I knew what I could do to it. And then Mary matched with the moment; she just lit up, literally. And there are some beautiful pictures of her out there in that garment, but just listening and making sure I’m hearing, “I don’t show this. It would be hard for me to change in 15 minutes into something like this when I have to have someone help me change. I don’t have a full range of motion in my arms. I’m in a manual wheelchair, and unless we have an hour for me to get out and do this, that, and the third, we may want to go this route.” So, there are several pictures of me, actually, I have in my phone too, that even team members took of me, sitting really close because I just wanted to make sure, and I want to serve this population of people, because I’m just so honored to be able to do what we were doing.
When this was first asked of me, I really didn’t feel like I was the best fit for it. I knew my heart, yes, but I was thinking, oh my goodness, there’s probably so much that I don’t know, that y’all will need me to know. But I feel like I had everything that I needed, which was just the heart and the ear to listen and to put the talent there. It was a beautiful collaboration. And then the things that I didn’t know, I learned, like the DJ, for instance, I even noticed immediately from him, he’s one of the people who said, “Oh, this is maybe what you know about this. Let me meet you there and help to further that knowledge of someone who is going across the stage in a manual wheelchair or someone who’s going across in a walker. You already have 200-300 people looking at you. It’s a lot of pressure.” So, it’s a beautiful, beautiful collaboration of people.
Host 14:49
We asked for some of the most rewarding moments that he will remember from this event.
Daniel Grier 14:53
The night that it all happened, I’m just glad that I’m at this stage in my career where I did all I could, and I just show up. There was a film crew there that day, following me around, so I knew I could see what was going on. I wasn’t stressed. Our job was done. We did what we needed to do. So, when I was able to fully be present and take in the moment of what was happening, I wanted to see how things were moving and flowing behind the stage, all of those things. And so, when I think about what stood out to me the most, it was getting to know 20— well, we’ll say 25 models, but we had Ingrid’s twin, Celeste — so that’s kind of 26, and then our host. I’ll never forget the fittings with each and every one of them. I’ll never forget each zoom call or in person meeting that we sat and we chatted about, this is why I like yellow, this why I don’t, or this is why I don’t go out of my house to shop anywhere, because even going in the dressing room makes me sad, like learning all those things that, again, will help to inform me beyond this, because as I design, it will help to inform how I shape the world through my creativity.
But back to this. I just remember each and every person. I don’t remember exactly how many authors we had, but I know I went home with four books because I wanted to know more about their story. So, Bob, actually, before I could even purchase his, he’s written me a beautiful message inside of his. He gave me the book, and somehow I found the time to start reading it already, and I got to about chapter three. And again, this was just as much for me as it was for the people that were involved, because where I was at that time, having gone through some of the transitions that I’ve just gone through, my grandmother was literally living more of a disabled life. Her last, say, four or five years of living, but specifically in that last year, everything was about how to help her be more mobile in the world and function and all those things. So, I felt so well prepared for this.
And again, I just wanted to take in every moment, make sure I was serving the people who were a part of this. And what my blessing on the other side, more than anything, was to know that I helped to elevate a platform that was already there, and I just helped to elevate it to a different place and have a connection and beautiful moments for everybody who was involved. I don’t think that just goes for the people who were in the show, but the people who worked on the show. I could tell even the florists, like the guys in the audio at the Alys Stephens Center that I met the day before, I could just tell how important it was for everyone to do a good job. And it wasn’t because we felt sorry for anyone or anything like that, we were working for, like, superstar people, and a lot of them know exactly what they want. They know how they want to show up. And then some of them that were maybe a little quieter, shout out to McCartney and Lauren, there was such a flower in there that I just desired to pull out a little bit more. And I saw it happen. Like seeing McCartney, and Lauren in that beautiful gold and black that I was so excited for her to wear. Megan DeJarnett slayed, like, I still remember exactly what everybody wore.
This meant the world to me. I actually have a lot of things I still need to put out that I have of my own content, but I do look at it often and just think, wow this is what happens when you really work with a great team of individuals who all have the same goal, for sure. So, my biggest memories are that we had a phenomenal show. We had a phenomenal working up of a show, and even the things that may have been —you know, you get frustrated every now and then with just working on something for so long — but look at what we did! I will forever be proud of that.
Host 18:40
Daniel discussed the lessons he learned from this experience going forward.
Daniel Grier 18:44
I want to still listen and see people for authentically who they are, and see how I can further help to elevate that in general. So I grew up, just a little more back story, I grew up in Gardendale, AL. I was not like, there were black people there, but there weren’t that many. But I feel like it was a great space to build community, because it had so many things going on. So learning that and just exploring the world in different ways, you get to know so many different people. So, I want to continue in that vein, and I just want to continue to elevate spaces and make them better than when I found them. I do feel like that is something that I’ve been gifted to do. And on the other side of that, I just hope that I can continue to work with amazing people who really care about the communities and industries they serve, because sometimes that can kind of go different ways, but that meant a lot to me. I hope and pray that continues as we move forward. I just want whatever I’m doing to be intentional. It has to be really focused, and it has to have a goal for the end so that I could see, oh, the goal wasn’t to have 1000 people here. The goal is for maybe 1000 people to come and have a great experience and learn something new. But it’s always to make things better than when they were found.
Host 20:03
Here’s what Daniel hoped the attendees felt or learned by the end of the night.
Daniel Grier 20:07
So, I’ve talked to a few of them, specifically the ones that I invited. So, I know they had an amazing time. Me being who I am, of course, when I make my way out of the room, I’m asking everyone, “How did you enjoy yourself?” When there were no flowers left on the stage, and I didn’t even get one, I could tell that everyone had a great time and a great experience. Let me tell you something else that lets you know. When people are still posting three to four weeks down the road on their personal channels, that also lets you know they had a great experience.
But what do I particularly hope? I hope that they learn something new. I just hope that we respect each other differently, because we all share this space. If we were all sharing the same home, we would want to keep it clean. We do share the same home. So, if we could all just focus on making this just a better place? These shows, they may seem like just fashion shows that people come to for sources of entertainment or for pleasure, but I really hope they’re learning how we can continue to do community better together, because that’s literally my goal always and forever. I probably would have passed out if one of these models had come back and said, “Oh, he didn’t listen to me.” You know, that’s just not who I am. So, with the attendees, I listened to them. I don’t want you in here, hot. I don’t want you in here all day. We didn’t want you to get towed in the parking lot, like all these things. It was a very beautiful collaboration. Attendees were front and center, the models. Everybody was on a board. How will they experience this experience? Even the team? You know, a lot of places put on events, but their team probably didn’t enjoy it. So, I think that’s what is so different about this. Everyone really did have a great time. Even some people who didn’t talk that much during the workup experiences, I could just tell by their face and their partner’s that night, they had a beautiful experience as well. So that literally meant the world to me. So, glad, glad, glad that I was able to be a part of it.
Host 21:58
Here’s Daniel’s final message.
Daniel Grier 22:00
I want to say to the NCHPAD team. I hope you all enjoyed this experience just as much as I did, and I hope you will continue to let this inform what you do going forward. Beautiful job. I’d love to continue to see what happens in all the different iterations of what you all do for this amazing community. And I mean that. To the models, I mean, I follow most of them on social now they follow me. So, I feel like we’ll stay connected, which is great. And I don’t know. I just feel like, if we continue to just show love and just know that every body literally blooms, and we don’t want to stand in the way of that. We don’t want to stand in the way of us blooming. Then let’s just spread more happiness and be happier. There’s enough craziness going on in the world. So, let’s just spread a little cheer and support NCHPAD. Support the beautiful things that are going on over here in the art world. Because art does need to be more appreciated. It brings so much happiness and peace to the world. So, I just feel like we should appreciate it and give it more respect in return as well. So, if I haven’t said it 1,000 times already, thank you all so much for having me a part of this. I know it was meant to be a part of my journey as well, and it started off my year in a great way. I’m ready to go and kill it now. So yeah, that’s it. Thank you all so much.
Host 23:20
Thanks for listening to Wellness, Health and Everything Else. For a full episode transcript, visit our website and find the episode in the podcasts and videos section or in the episode details on streaming apps. Visit our Every Body Blooms page on the NCHPAD website to view photos and videos from the event and learn more about Daniel, the event team, and the models. If you have questions about NCHPAD’s free resources, programs and partnership opportunities, email us at nchpad@uab.edu, call us at 866-866-8896 or check out our website at nchpad.org.