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A collaboration between UK e-commerce retailer ASOS and Chloe Ball-Hopkins, who uses a wheelchair, has lit up social media for all the right reasons according to TeenVogue.
They have designed a tie-dye print and waterproof fabric jumpsuit that is wheelchair-friendly. Chloe took to Twitter, saying:
So over the last several months I have been working with @ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one! Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It's about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?! https://t.co/1gzzkRlED9 pic.twitter.com/7yS57QEmpD
— Chloe Ball-Hopkins (@chloe_ballhopzy) July 4, 2018
"It's about making fashion accessible!" Chloe says it best. This jumpsuit was not conceptualised exclusively for wheelchair users, but with them in mind.
That is what clothing brands should (already) be doing. Always being inclusive, keeping everyone in mind by allowing access to their brand for all sizes and needs.
READ MORE: Clothing sizes in SA are ridiculous’ say W24 readers – and they’re not just women!
ASOS as a brand has proven its body positivity by stocking inclusive clothing, a variety of sizes a lot of others don't. They have also been praised for their lookbooks online, where they don't blur out models' stretchmarks, back rolls, etc.
Then there is the case of Stephanie Thomas. She created Cur8able.com, a fashion styling platform for people with disabilities. On the site she says:
"That's a great question I'm glad you asked. I'm Stephanie, and I'm a congenital amputee missing digits on my right hand and feet. For 26 years I've researched clothing and retail trends for people with disabilities. What started as a Miss America preliminary pageant platform, grew into a hobby, and has now morphed into my life's work.
READ MORE: Stretchmarks left unretouched on models’ bums in new swimwear campaign
I wanted a place to go online that was all about dressing with disabilities. Since I couldn't find one, I created (Cure-eight-uh-bul) Cur8able.com, a fashion lifestyle blog all about dressing with disabilities out loud and in style!"
Watch her TED talk here:
READ MORE: What nude underwear looks like on different skin tones.
More and more brands are upping their inclusivity in terms of size offering and catering for all skin complexions (in terms of nude underwear), like local brands Nude Wear and Gugu Intimates.
Hopefully we'll soon see SA brands include garments in their collections for those who use wheelchairs and who have aren't able to wear mainstream fashion.
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