Crawley, West Sussex – Destiny Pinto, a fashion designer from Crawley, West Sussex, has turned a personal challenge into a creative opportunity, designing stylish accessories for people with disabilities. Pinto, who has rheumatoid arthritis, was frustrated by the lack of fashionable options when she needed to wear compression gloves. This experience inspired her to launch a line of glamorous fashion items that cater to individuals using medical devices such as hearing aids, stoma bags, and compression gloves.
“It’s almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion,” Pinto shared, highlighting the gap in the industry when it comes to inclusive designs.
Her unique approach to blending functionality with high fashion has resonated widely, garnering millions of views across social media platforms. Among her admirers are prominent figures such as Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, singer Sza, and model Tasha Ghouri, who herself wears a hearing aid and is set to compete in the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Pinto’s mission goes beyond aesthetics; her designs are empowering those who have often struggled to feel confident while wearing medical devices. “I hear personal stories, like children who wear colostomy bags or hearing aids, and they’ve never felt confident before seeing my designs,” she said, reflecting on the emotional impact her work has had on people’s lives.
Pinto’s journey was also deeply influenced by her best friend Nikola, who underwent life-saving bowel surgery at the age of 10 and now permanently wears a stoma bag. Finding clothing that balances fashion with functionality has been a constant challenge for Nikola.
“Anything tight around the waist causes leaks or pancaking, so I have to think about baggy clothing or waistlines that sit higher or lower to avoid putting pressure on my stoma,” Nikola explained.
While some stoma bag covers exist, Nikola finds them lacking in style. “They often look like tablecloths or come in plain colors,” she said. “I like to be out there and I want something that makes a statement—different materials, different designs.”
Through Pinto’s vision, the world of fashion is starting to become more inclusive, offering stylish and functional solutions for people who previously felt overlooked by the industry. Her designs are not only making a statement in the fashion world but are also helping individuals feel seen, empowered, and fashionable.
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