Reality on the Runway

Carrie Hammer, a 2003 Torrey Pines High School grad who now has her own clothing line in New York, created a sensation at Spring Fashion Week when she put role models rather than runway models on the catwalk. The models included business executives, philanthropists, and Danielle Sheypuk, a psychologist who works with disabled patients. Dr. Sheypuk was in a wheelchair, a first ever for Fashion Week. “I wanted to take the first step in shifting the trend to powerful women and away from gaunt models,” Hammer explains.

The daughter of Rancho Santa Fe artist Jean Wells, Hammer designs custom-made professional wear to empower women. A former ad executive, she became frustrated with the limited selection of fashionable corporate clothing with the proper fit and at the right price. So in 2012, she launched the Carrie Hammer collection of both ready to wear and made to measure clothing. Customers can pick a dress style online, plug in their measurements, and select customizable options such as color and sleeve length. A bespoke dress arrives in 3-4 weeks.

Hammer is now creating a nationwide sales team to bring fittings to women around the country. She’s also teaming up with popexpert.com to offer career advice from the successful role models who walked her runway. (www.carrierhammer.com)