Nancy Volpe Beringer made history as the oldest designer to ever appear on the hit show Project Runway. At 64, she made it to the finale at New York Fashion Week, using her talent and can-do attitude to promote more sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. You’re in a wheelchair? No problem. A prosthetic leg? Nancy’s got an idea to make your outfit glamorous and runway-ready. She eventually created “The Vault by Volpe Beringer”—the world’s first and only fully accessible designer luxury platform, offering adaptable options and complimentary consultations for the disabled community.

Nancy won the 2022 Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star award. She was named “Best in Philly Fashion Designer for Artsy Dresses” by Philadelphia Magazine for her viral red-carpet design for Grammy nominee and rapper Tierra Whack.

This incredible journey almost didn’t happen. At age 50, Nancy already had a successful career and financial security, but she was miserable. Sure, she’d grown up sewing, but she never dared to dream of becoming a fashion designer. Then, one day, BAM! It all became so clear. Despite the fear of starting over so late in the game, she went for it! No regrets, Nancy.

If fashion is your thing, you’ll love this episode. But hell, if you like the movie Rocky, you’ll enjoy it, too. Like the Italian Stallion, Nancy is a gritty underdog from the mean streets of Philadelphia. She’s never climbed into a boxing ring with Mr. T, as far as I know, but she is definitely a fighter. So, put up your dukes, turn up your volume, and get ready to be inspired.

00:00-Fresh Starts & Accolades

03:09-Inclusive Representation

08:27-Displaced, but not discouraged 

12:33-Another Word for Retirement

16:07-I Just Want to Make a Difference

20:27-Tierra Whack at the Grammys

24:17-Make Fear Your Friend

33:18-Working with Legends

35:21-Core Pursuits

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