The runway has a long history of being used as a platform to raise awareness, sending slogans like The Future is Female or Choose Life down the catwalk. Sometimes messages are not written in bold typeface as a cause célèbre, but rather are a single model’s walk underscored with a personal mission. Such is the case with Einar Edsta, who after a family member was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, was moved to take action raising awareness towards the neurodegenerative disease. Now, the Gucci favorite is dedicating his fashion week earnings to the cause. His first show was in London walking for Kiko Kostadinov and as Milan Fashion Week Men’s nears we caught up with the motivated male model.
How did this issue become something you were passionate about creating awareness for?
I’ve always been very close to my family, we have a very strong bond and get together on a monthly basis. 2 years ago, we received the news that my grand-aunt was diagnosed with ALS, soon after she beat breast cancer. Over 450,000 people are living with ALS today. Someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 minutes, and there is no cure. Understanding that someone in your family is dying is unbearable.
How are you going to be fundraising for ALS? And which charities? What steps are you creating to raise awareness?
I’ve chosen to donate all the money I make to the non-profit organization ALS Association – since they fight for ALS on every front. The ambition is to connect brands with the cause and introduce their audiences to something more. I’ll also run the fundraising campaign Walk for ALS for anyone that wants to engage.
As a model, how do you feel empowered to contribute to the betterment of the future?
I believe that everyone has the responsibility of giving back to the community. For me, it has always been important to show support to the people that need it. I can’t create a world without ALS, but I’m doing my best to open people’s eyes.
Credit: Getty, Victor VIRGILE / Contributor
