About Us

Redefining Fashion Through Inclusivity & Diversity

At Arizona Fashion Walk, we believe that fashion is for everyone—regardless of ability, background, or identity. Our event is more than just a runway; it's a movement that champions adaptive fashion, diversity, and empowerment in the fashion industry.

We are on a mission to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate individuality by showcasing designs that embrace all abilities. From models with disabilities to inclusive designs that redefine accessibility, Arizona Fashion Walk is a platform for self-expression, creativity, and change.

Our Vision

To create a world where fashion embraces all abilities, all backgrounds, and all bodies—proving that style has no limits.

Our Mission

To empower individuals by creating an inclusive space in the fashion industry.
To inspire designers and brands to embrace adaptive fashion.
To celebrate diversity through a runway experience that represents real people.
To build a community that uplifts models, designers, and audiences alike.

The Story Behind Arizona Fashion Walk

Fashion should be an expression of identity, but for far too long, many individuals have been excluded from mainstream fashion. Arizona Fashion Walk was born from a vision to challenge norms and redefine beauty.

What started as a local initiative has grown into a powerful movement, bringing together talented designers, passionate advocates, and inspiring models who prove that fashion is for all.

This year, our runway will become a celebration of resilience, creativity, and self-confidence—and we invite you to be part of this journey.

Meet The Founders

Aartie Aiyer

A multi-award-winning Realtor, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment, Aartie Aiyer is the CEO of Aartie Aiyer Realty LLC and a multi-million-dollar producer in Phoenix real estate. With roots in fashion as a former designer and garment business owner in India, she brings creativity, detail, and a client-first mindset to everything she does. Crowned Mrs. Arizona USA 2024 and 1st Runner-Up at Mrs. Universe USA Elite 2024, Aartie shines on and off the runway. As State Director of Arizona MissBharatUSA, she mentors young women to embrace their culture and leadership. A recipient of the Women Empowerment Award 2024, Aartie continues to uplift others, blending her expertise in real estate, fashion, and advocacy with grace and impact.

Bhavi Shah

Bhavi Shah is a multi-faceted individual who embodies the spirit of modern-day excellence. Bhavi is a certified Physician Associate, working as a provider in the Emergency Room. Her passion for fashion is highlighted by her remarkable accomplishments including numerous beauty pageant titles such as Mrs. India USA 2023, Mrs. Ambassador 2023, Mrs. Asia 2021, Mrs. Next Top Model 2021, and Super Model 2021. She is a seasoned runway model, having walked for renowned designers at Canes Film Festival, NY fashion week and LA fashion week. She is honored with awards like Women Icon of the Year 2022, Admirable Achiever Award and Empowered Women Award. She has also featured in the 2023 Summer Edition of Empowered Magazine, the 2023 November Edition of Gladys Magazine and on the cover of the April 2024 Hollywood Weekly Magazine. She is a strong proponent of women empowerment and diversity, and aims to create a community that celebrates all identities and abilities.

Gunjan Pawnikar

Gunjan Pawnikar is a multitalented personality with an impressive array of titles, including Mrs. South Asia World 2020, Top Model, Mrs. Universe MDD 2023, and Lifetime Queen MDD 2024. Beyond her success in pageants, Gunjan is a highly skilled fashion choreographer, Brand ambassador for many designers, Runway Model in prestigious NYFW and LAFW, and motivator, with over a decade of experience in the industry and featured in many magazines. Her expertise extends to entrepreneurship, Business Analyst as profession, and Bollywood dance instruction, demonstrating her versatility and dedication. Gunjan’s achievements are not limited to her professional endeavors. She has also made a significant impact through her involvement in cultural events, volunteering, and event management. Her leadership skills are evident in her roles as secretary at PMMM and Indian cultural director at 4A organization. Some of her notable accomplishments include Winning the Best Catwalk title and Leadership Award in 2024, Receiving the prestigious Women Empowerment Award in 2025, The Lavanyavati title in the USA folk dance competition 2022.Gunjan's passion for dance is evident in her work as a Bollywood dance instructor, and her ability to play the Dhol highlights her multifaceted talents. She has been part of judging panels for many Beauty pageants. As State Director of Arizona Miss Bharat USA, Gunjan continues to inspire others with her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. She believes in Empowering Women is the key to building a future we want.

Join Us in Making Fashion Inclusive

Whether you’re a designer, model, sponsor, or supporter, Arizona Fashion Walk is your platform to make a difference.

📌 Be a Model – No matter your ability or background, we welcome you on our runway.
📌 Showcase Your Designs – Are you a designer specializing in adaptive or inclusive fashion? Let’s collaborate!
📌 Support the Movement – Become a sponsor and help drive change in the fashion industry.

Fashion is for everyone. Let’s walk the runway together.

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