When you got dressed this morning, how much thought did you put into it? No, I don’t mean picking an outfit; I mean, how much thought and effort did you have to exert actually putting on your clothes? For 1 in 5 Americans living with a disability, getting dressed each day is just another challenge in a world that is already far too unaccommodating.
Classic American brand Tommy Hilfiger is seeking to change that disparity with its Adaptive line, which launched its spring 2018 collection last week with a campaign starring a range of differently abled talents, including 18-year-old autistic chef Jeremiah Josey and one of our personal favorites, Haitian-American model, blogger, motivational speaker and style icon Mama Cax.
With the tagline “Inclusive design. Fashion for all,” the company’s website offers options for women, men and children, stating, “Driven by our commitment to innovation and modern style, our new collection delivers solutions to make dressing easier.”
Those solutions include the addition of magnetic buttons, expanded back and side openings, hems that adjust to accommodate prosthetics, easy-open necklines, Velcro closures, one-handed zippers and wrist loops to make pulling on pants easier.
Explaining the impetus and evolution of this latest line of Hilfiger offerings, the website also states:
For one in five Americans living with a disability, something as simple as getting dressed each day can be a challenge. Inspired by their experiences, our design team committed to think in new ways and uncover new solutions.
Starting with iconic Tommy style as a template, we are rethinking everything from conception through to production.
“Inclusivity and the democratization of fashion have always been at the core of our brand’s DNA,” says Tommy Hilfiger. “Tommy Adaptive continues to build on that vision, empowering people to express themselves though fashion.
If these seem like long-overdue innovations, they are, but this is actually Hilfiger’s third Adaptive release. According to Marie Claire U.K., the first children’s collection launched in 2016, and an inaugural adult collection was released last year. After making a few adaptations based on customer feedback (bungee cord closures, anyone?), the line—offered in Hilfiger’s typical red-white-and-blue palette—is getting a big push this season. When it comes to making fashion more inclusive and accessible for everyone, it’s a move in the right direction.