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Designing for Disabilities: The Rise of Adaptive Fashion
Abled does not mean enabled. Disabled does not mean less abled. Khang Kijarro Nguyen Over the past few years, there has been a huge rise in demand for ‘adaptive fashion’. Adaptive fashion is “clothing specifically designed for those with disabilities and chronic conditions.” We’ve seen this on runways, across social media, and in magazines. Previously, there was always a lack of inclusion for those with disabilities in the world of fashion, however, now there is global awareness of making everyBODY feel worthy of the runway. Owning the modelling industry Particularly, there have been a tremendous amount of models who have broke the non-inclusive mould by sharing their disability stories with…
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Perfectionism: Fashion and its Impact on Body Dysmorphia
Perfection is found in accepting your imperfections Bridgett Devoue The way that we perceive our bodies is vital to our levels of self-confidence, self-worth, and the way that we interact with others. In today’s world, a mental illness known as ‘Body Dysmorphic Disorder’ is an alarming concern. According to the NHS, “Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance”. One of the factors that can trigger the obsession with a certain body part is fashion. Within the fashion industry, there are many aspects that could induce anxiety or worry in certain consumers. For example, if…
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No Secret that Victoria’s Secret Was Desperate for a Change
Calling for Change We live in challenging times when almost everything is being questioned and asked for change. It does not matter whether we look at politics, sport or simply just the way of living, everything seems to be facing an important question. Is this enough? Are we doing it right? Not even the fashion industry got spared when it comes to big changes. Maybe it is because fashion is something that is more or less accompanying us for our whole life. Some might not realise that, but fashion and lifestyle are affecting the way others see us as a person, the way the society is accepting us. Yes, it…
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Diversity on Catwalks: A Remedy for Toxic Beauty Standards
Over the years, diversity on the catwalk has become a growing theme to challenge beauty standards in the fashion industry. Models have always been a reflection of the ideal shape, size, height, and colour that societal norms have reinforced. Since a young age I have always been inspired by fashion and catwalks, I admired the looks of many models and dreamed that only one day I could be as beautiful. Needless to say, the models I desired to look like were thin, tall and mostly white. I am not tall nor as thin, surely this was harmful to the way I see myself at the age of 14? If I…
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Diversity in fashion: brands leading the way
Diversity is one of the biggest issues facing the fashion and beauty industries today. The number of underrepresented groups is vast with size, age, ethnicity and sexuality fighting its way to be seen and heard. However, in recent years, these industries have taken steps towards being more inclusive. Driven by social media, the world of beauty and fashion has moved to welcome and represent customers along the spectrum of skin shades, gender identities and body types. Undoubtedly, diversity, and inclusion have become powerful movements and a priority for companies looking to succeed. Paving the way for diversity Fenty Beauty is just one example of a beauty brand paving the way…
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The inclusivity and diversity of fashion brands in this world
In every walk of life importance should be placed on increasing the level of diversity and inclusivity in this world. Sadly, that is not the case in many aspects but it has become apparent that some fashion brands are making it a reality. We should not only identify them, but also celebrate them. TomboyX To think of an inclusive and diverse fashion brand, look no further than TomboyX, as the company has the goal to create an underwear range for everybody and anybody. The development of a gender-neutral range has seen sizes range from XS to 4XL for as little as £15. Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, partners in life…
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Debunking the ‘Summer Body’ myth
If you’ve been keeping up with anything happening in the world right now, I won’t be the first person to tell you that summer 2020 is no more. Forget your plans, summer is officially canceled. But with summer existing purely inside and at a socially acceptable distance, it has got me wondering. What would various marketing groups be preparing for their advertisement campaigns in a bid to sell you their idealised image of what a woman should look like? The Summer Body So, what exactly is the ‘Summer Body’? Major corporations advertise the ‘Summer Body’, usually a thin woman, with a flat stomach and toned abs. This idealised version of…
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The body positivity effect of social media influencers
The challenge many people face everyday is the challenge of loving themselves for who they are. To look in the mirror everyday and see body positivity is a difficult feeling to find. Though, the support from friends and family can progress this feeling. To have someone by your side who shares the unconditional support which can guide someone to feel self-worth and love. Even social media influencers have become a support system for many people, with their inspiration and positive outlook on life. As many influencers are using their platform to create beneficial feelings in the minds of their followers. This article will see how social media influencers have made…
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Body Neutrality: the Freeing Mindset?
Our toxic, image-based society teaches women to value themselves and others in terms of kilograms and pounds. Shouldn’t we work towards finding peace with our body, without the Instagram standards of beauty looming over our consciousness? Body neutrality is a middle ground between the pressures of body-hate and body positivity. A newer, progressive stride towards inclusivity, it moves the mental energy away from body consciousness and self-criticism to reach a personal harmony. But is it a workable ideal? Body Positivity & the cycle of self-Sabotage Body positivity seemed like the answer to the immense pressure of finding self-worth in appearance. It existed within a ‘Fat Acceptance’ movement that accelerated with…
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Learn how to embrace yourself and be body positive
Through this article I want to share more about how we can use fashion to cultivate a positive body image and learn to be proud and embrace your own skin (if you don’t already). This issue is not confined to women, I will also touch more on the topic of men and their body image and share some tips we can all implement to spread more body positivity. We are all unique, let’s celebrate our uniqueness. Enjoy! Body image In 2019, one in five UK adults felt shame because of their body image. For me, that is quite troubling. Body image is how we think and feel about ourselves physically,…
