By Katherine The concept of fashion has drastically changed through time. Before, the apparel industry
eternalized unrealistic beauty standards that caused low self-esteem and body image among
individuals. Today, the fashion industry is slowly opening its doors for inclusivity and breaking
stereotypes. Now, those with impairments can enjoy trendy design items that welcome their
differences. Here are five fashion evolutions that embrace disability.
Runway of Dreams, Functional Designer Fashion
Mindy Scheier had experienced daily struggles dressing her son with improvised clothing
options due to her child’s disability. Scheier used this to drive her to make a change. She had
organized a non-profit organization called Runway of Dreams–which advocates for clothing
designers to create functional designs for those with disabilities. Scheier’s Runway of Dreams
partnered with Tommy Hilfiger, a famous trailblazer of the classic American casual style, and
encouraged him to produce adaptive designs for people with disabilities. In this movement,
Hilfiger designed innovative styles promoting inclusivity.
Cookman’s Concepts Into Customized Apparel
During the 20th century, Helen Cookman had a hearing disability, making it hard for her to wear
clothes while holding her hearing aid. At the same time, she was conducting her research
residency at New York University.
While studying, she found out what disabled people feel when wearing clothes that weren’t made
for them. She suddenly recognized the need for a space for functional fashion. With that, she
conceptualized apparel that featured blouse pleats, double-fabric underarms, velcro fastening,
and side zippers. Cookman created 17 items to help disabled people dress themselves
independently.
Catwalks of Inclusivity
The process of diversifying the runways is finally happening in the fashion world. Finally,
everyone gets to see the range of shapes, sizes, colors, and genders take the spotlight, which has
long been overdue. London Fashion Week 2021 has featured designs curated for various
disabilities. Six new young designers presented their apparel, and everyone in the audience was
constantly in awe of the clothing designs. This runway campaign encourages more designers to
change their angles regarding adaptive fashion.
The New Faces Of The Fashion Industry
Fashion is the root of societal labels and ableism. However, this didn’t stop Madeline Stuart,
Jillian Mercado, Nina Marker, and Ellie Goldstein from flaunting their beautiful faces and
beloved impairments. These diverse and empowered models proudly and confidently appear on
fashion runways, collaborate with famous beauty brands, and advocate inclusivity. In this way,
fashion industries reach out to minorities and represent them on a larger scale.
Tailor-Made For Them
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is known worldwide for its inclusive efforts.
They aim to exhibit a fair approach to the welfare of their clients with disabilities. With that, the
program uses a scheme to allow their consumers to use the NDIS funds given to them to receive
the service that suits their lifestyle and interests. In Australia, they are recognized endorsers of
the United Nations on the Rights of Persons with a Disability. After all the NDIS has done and
continues to do, more individuals with impairments are provided for and given hope.
Fashion changes over time. Most people used to settle for what were the only available clothing
options. Now, we are through with the criteria that the apparel industry offers. The dire need to
diversify the fashion industry is a movement that has not ended in vain. As you have noticed, the
world of design is dynamic and continues to evolve to cater to more than their usual market.