NIGHT OWL When I attended the 2024 London Fashion Week, I developed a new understanding of the fashion industry, particularly on how it can deeply connect powerful messages to its audience. Paulina Porwollik, a model and professional dancer with a congenital limb difference, was among those who graced the runway during Ukrainian fashion designer Tamar Keburia’s “Reflections” show, which, apart from paying tribute to the strength and resilience of contemporary Ukrainian women, also conveyed a powerful message on inclusivity. Paulina believes that the fashion industry has started to embrace diversity, opening up to all kinds of people regardless of their color, age, gender and abilities.
She’s already modeling for big brands. But she hopes that this is not a mere trend that will eventually fade away. Even though she sees a conscious effort in the fashion industry to elevate diversity, she reveals that her first love is dance, a medium that has allowed her to understand her body, explore her individuality, and was integral to building her confidence.
Dancing her fears away Paulina was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She grew up with a limb difference of her left hand and arm. But this was never a hindrance to having a normal childhood, of building great friendships.
It was when she entered puberty that she felt insecure, not only because of her disability, but also due to other factors, including seeing others go out on dates. Paulina always loved dance, and she tur.