London Fashion Week by Kate Stanforth

It’s 6 am.  I chuck on an outfit that isn’t joggers and a hoodie, which must mean that today is an exciting adventure.  I grab my suitcase and head to get the train to London with my mum.  It’s Sunday 19th September, which probably won’t mean much to you, but to me, it’s the day I model in London Fashion Week (and for sure, a date I’ll remember!).

The First Adaptive Collection in LFW

If you asked me “what is the one range of clothing you’d love to model for Fashion Week?” it’d have to be adaptive clothing.  Why?  Because not only is it useful for me but it’s something game-changing in the industry.  Disabilities aren’t exactly a ‘new thing’, but adaptive clothing is only just appearing on catwalks.  Either way, I was excited to be part of the first-ever adaptive collection in London Fashion Week!

About Faduma’s Fellowship

Faduma Farah was paralysed by meningitis 10 years ago and soon became frustrated by the lack of accessible clothing.  She founded ‘Faduma’s Fellowship’ for fashion designers to create adaptive wear, which is where she found designer Harriet Eccleston.  Harriet based her designs on research from fashion graduates Melissa and Rebecca Everett, who explored adaptive wear for young working people with disabilities.

My Outfit and The Designer

Harriet’s designs took accessibility into account in all forms, from getting into the outfit to making sure the model didn’t get any sores from the seams.  My outfit was a gorgeous navy cord trouser which had extra fabric around my knees so it didn’t cut in (wheelchair users, you’ll definitely know that feeling!), long zips with easy ties for access for lines and catheters and tailored to my seated position so super comfy.  My top was a lovely lightweight blue fabric with amazing magnetic buttons so I could give myself a bit of a peplum effect without having to struggle to get the top over my head.  Each outfit for the model was made to fit not just their measurements, but their disability…and I love that.

Hopes For the Future

The catwalk was an incredible experience and what I loved most was that we had both disabled and non-disabled models together.  Faduma wanted to show that any brand can, and should, have adaptive ranges and quite rightly so.  If disabled people make up 18% of the population in the UK then it’s certainly time other brands get on board and we see more commitment to inclusivity.  It was incredible to be part of such a historic moment.   The first adaptive collection in London Fashion Week and I’m part of that movement.  And I really hope there are more to come!