5 Inspiring Fashion and Beauty Icons Redefining Strength While Battling Autoimmune Diseases
When we think about the glitz and glamour of the fashion and beauty industries, it’s easy to forget that behind every dazzling smile or runway strut, there are real people facing real challenges.
When we think about the glitz and glamour of the fashion and beauty industries, it’s easy to forget that behind every dazzling smile or runway strut, there are real people facing real challenges. Some of the most inspiring figures in these industries aren’t just trendsetters or makeup moguls; they are warriors battling autoimmune diseases.
Let’s dive into the stories of four incredible individuals who have turned their health battles into powerful statements of resilience and creativity.
1. Rachel Roy: Ancient Skincare Secrets and Coup de Sabre
Rachel Roy, founder of Ancient Skincare India, is more than just a beauty entrepreneur—she's a visionary dedicated to bringing the healing secrets of ancient Indian skincare to the modern world. Her journey is deeply personal; she battles with coup de sabre, a form of localised scleroderma that causes a linear indentation on her forehead.
But Rachel hasn’t let her condition define her. Instead, she’s turned it into a source of strength. She often speaks about how her condition inspired her to focus on skincare that is not only effective but also nurturing to the body and soul. Drawing from Ayurveda, Rachel’s skincare line emphasizes natural ingredients known for their healing properties, such as turmeric and neem.
“Having coup de sabre has taught me to embrace my unique beauty,” Rachel shares. “I want everyone, no matter what they’re going through, to feel beautiful in their own skin.” Her commitment to authentic, natural beauty and wellness shows that even the most challenging conditions can lead to groundbreaking innovation and self-acceptance.
2. Michael Kuluva: Rocking the Runway with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Michael Kuluva, a fashion designer who heads Tumbler and Tipsy, is known for his playful, vibrant designs that challenge the norms of fashion. But behind the scenes, Michael is in a constant battle with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes painful inflammation in the joints. Diagnosed in his 20s, Michael faced the tough reality that his career as a professional ice skater was over. However, this didn’t stop him. Instead, he pivoted to fashion—a lifelong passion.
Michael’s experience with RA has significantly influenced his approach to fashion. He’s dedicated to designing clothing that’s not only stylish but also functional for people with disabilities. In fact, Michael is an advocate for adaptive fashion, which prioritizes comfort and accessibility without sacrificing style.
“I know firsthand what it’s like to live with a condition that affects your mobility and dexterity,” he says. “Fashion should be inclusive—everyone deserves to feel good in what they wear, no matter their physical limitations.”
Michael’s designs reflect his belief that fashion can be both inclusive and fabulous. By combining creativity with practicality, he’s making waves in the fashion industry and proving that resilience and innovation go hand in hand.
3. Ain Earle: Defying Alopecia with Bold Designs
Ain Earle, a fashion designer who has taken the industry by storm, has been living with alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, since she was a teenager. For many, alopecia can be a source of deep insecurity, especially in a world that often equates beauty with long, flowing locks. But Ain has turned this narrative on its head, using her condition as a driving force behind her bold and unapologetic designs.
Known for her avant-garde style and use of vibrant colors and patterns, Ain’s collections are a celebration of individuality and self-expression. She often incorporates headpieces and hats into her designs, which not only complement her outfits but also serve as a form of empowerment for herself and others facing hair loss.
“I wanted to create a space in fashion where people could see themselves, no matter what,” Ain explains. “Alopecia has taught me to embrace who I am, and I want my designs to inspire others to do the same.”
By openly discussing her journey with alopecia and using it as a source of inspiration, Ain has become a beacon of hope for many in the fashion world, showing that beauty truly knows no bounds.
4. Sabrina “Sabre” Ocasio: A Beauty Influencer with Graves’ Disease
Sabrina “Sabre” Ocasio, a beauty influencer and makeup artist, has been redefining what it means to be beautiful while living with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid and can lead to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and eye problems. For Sabre, her diagnosis came with a lot of uncertainty and fear, but it also became a catalyst for self-discovery and empowerment.
Through her vibrant makeup tutorials and candid discussions about her health, Sabre has built a community of followers who admire her strength and authenticity. She uses her platform not only to share her love for makeup but also to educate others about Graves’ disease and the importance of self-care.
“Makeup is my armour,” Sabre says. “It’s how I express myself and take control of my narrative. Graves’ disease might affect my body, but it doesn’t define my spirit.”
Her positive attitude and fearless approach to beauty have inspired many to embrace their uniqueness and find confidence in who they are, regardless of the obstacles they face.
5. Rachel Quach: Aussie Beauty Innovator and Autoimmune Warrior
Rachel Quach is not just a rising star in the fashion world—she’s a warrior. At the helm of her fashion label, RQ The Label, Rachel has made a name for herself with her chic, minimalist designs that exude confidence and sophistication. But behind her brand’s success lies a personal battle with a rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease: aplastic anaemia.
Rachel was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells, leaving her fatigued and vulnerable to infections. The diagnosis came as a shock and completely upended her life, forcing her to confront an uncertain future while building her fashion brand.
Despite these challenges, Rachel’s determination has never wavered. She has continued to grow her business while undergoing intensive treatments, proving that strength and grace can coexist even in the toughest circumstances. Her experience with aplastic anemia has shaped her outlook on life and work, instilling in her a deep sense of resilience and a commitment to living fully.
Through RQ The Label, Rachel is not just creating clothes; she’s crafting a narrative of courage, resilience, and beauty in the face of adversity. Her story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest sources of strength.
Rachel Quach continues to inspire with her bold designs and unbreakable spirit, proving that fashion is more than just what you wear—it's about who you are and what you overcome.
Finding Strength in Style
These five fashion and beauty icons are living proof that autoimmune diseases do not have to be a barrier to success or self-expression. Through their work and their stories, Rachel, Michael, Ain, Sabre and Rachel show us that beauty is not just skin deep—it’s about embracing our unique selves and finding strength in our struggles.
If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, remember: you're not alone. These incredible individuals remind us daily that there is power in vulnerability and that our differences are what make us truly beautiful.
By highlighting these incredible stories, we hope to shine a light on the beauty of resilience and inspire others to find their own unique path to self-love and acceptance. Fashion and beauty are for everyone, and these icons prove that we can all redefine what it means to be fabulous, no matter the circumstances.
