Dec. 2, 2024 — DENTON, TX — Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Fashion Design & Merchandising students are breaking new ground by creating adaptive clothing for patients with disabilities. The initiative aims to blend functionality, independence, and style for children facing challenges such as scoliosis, spina bifida, and prosthetics use.
“This class has really opened my eyes,” said Faith Stockton, a student involved in the project.
In 2023, a group of 13 students designed three sets of clothing for patients at Scottish Rite for Children, a pediatric hospital in Dallas. This year, 20 students have expanded the project, creating four sets of garments tailored to children with various disabilities, including those who are wheelchair-bound or use prosthetics.
A Focus on Independence
The project this year emphasizes helping patients gain more independence. Remy Odukomaiya, the class instructor with an MFA, explained that Scottish Rite is focused on teaching children how to manage their own care, including tasks like changing catheters and dressing themselves. “We took those insights and incorporated them into our designs,” Odukomaiya said.
Fashion Meets Function
While functionality remains a priority, students are also focusing on making the clothing stylish. “We want to incorporate current trends—like color and style—while ensuring the garments are functional,” said Eric Bravo Walker. “It’s not just about making clothing that works; it’s about making sure it helps these kids feel included and confident.”
Faith Stockton echoed this sentiment, adding that the designs aim to be “handicapped accessible but inconspicuous,” so anyone can wear them without feeling different.
Trinity Mendez-Alston highlighted how designs align with popular trends, noting, “Techwear is a great inspiration with its functional elements like straps and pockets.”
Expanded Scope and New Ideas
This year’s collection includes innovative pieces, such as pants that can adjust in length, offering flexibility for children who use prosthetics. Other designs feature pants that fit over boots, and shirts that open across both shoulders. There are even skirts in the collection this year.
“Our scope has expanded,” Odukomaiya said. “We’ve added more fun, bright colors and unique features that we didn’t consider last year.”
Students have paid special attention to comfort as well, as some children have sensitive skin. Kimngan Tran explained that they’re carefully reconstructing patterns to avoid seams that could irritate the skin, ensuring that the garments are both functional and comfortable.
Class Grows and Gains Support
The project is gaining attention both on and off campus. The class enrollment has increased, and the budget has grown thanks to a $1,000 donation from the Trinity Valley Quilters Guild.
“When I first heard about the class, I got excited because it’s about making accommodations in clothing,” Walker said. “It’s really rewarding to work on something that can help people in real life.”
In previous years, the class has designed clothing for homeless men, but last year marked the shift to working with Scottish Rite, a move that has fueled creativity among the students.
Designing for Independence and Self-Expression
The students say this project has helped them see fashion in a new light. “I’d never considered fashion from an accessibility standpoint,” Stockton said. “We’re giving these kids back their independence and helping them express themselves through fashion. They can look trendy and still feel like they belong to their generation.”
Mendez-Alston added, “We’ve done a lot of research, and it inspired me as a designer to think more inclusively.”
The students are so passionate about the project that they are considering incorporating disabled models in their senior fashion show.
“I think this experience will definitely influence my future work as a designer,” Walker said. “We’re opening doors for inclusivity in fashion.”
The class will deliver this year’s garments to Scottish Rite on December 2, 2024, marking another step in their journey to create more inclusive fashion for all.
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