We created this as a BTS look into a fully inclusive and accessible photoshoot for other brands. We wanted to give them the confidence to engage with the disability community and thought that having a practical how-to video coming from another fashion label would be an approachable starting point.
We all know that fashion is a personal statement right? It means something different to everyone. It’s a way for each individual to express their personality, their mood and how they want to present themselves to the world. We thought that chatting with these guys would be the perfect way to get some further insight into the power of fashion, and how it can make a huge, positive impact on the way people feel.
Imagine yourself in your jeans. You’ve gone for your skinny jeans today and they’re pressing into you, they’re tight and they’re stiff. You’re uncomfortable, you’re distracted because you’re trying to move them around to get into a comfortable position. How is your productivity looking now?
However, before you go ahead and grab for your tracksuit pants, we want you to consider this. What if you could have both?
We’ve always preached the power of fashion but doing a majority of work from home has really shed some new light on how critical clothing is for the way you feel about yourself.
The client completes a questionnaire, which tells me a little about their personality, lifestyle, budget and any style struggles they may be experiencing. It's crucial to understand the clients needs and clearly define their objective before we start our session, so we are both on the same page.
To put it simply, exclusion in the “fashion world” creates and perpetuates exclusion in the “real world”. Think about it this way. At this point in time, most business owners, employers, University staff, healthcare providers and - possibly the most important - politicians don’t see people with disability represented throughout fashion, TV, film, media, etc.
Language. It can be so empowering or so damaging. We are taught there is so much power in words, and ain’t that the truth.
As Occupational Therapists by trade, we are well and truly around person-first language. For those playing along at home, an example of this is saying “person with disability” rather than “disabled person” or “person with schizophrenia” rather than referring to someone as “a schizophrenic person”.
JAM has brought me on to write a few blog posts for them about the fashion industry, and the ways in which inclusion needs to improve. As an activist and model with disability, Molly & Emma have dubbed my experiences as “Insider Information”. I find this kind of amusing, but I can see what they mean - and I hope that some of you can learn a thing or two from what I share here.
