Most of us take for granted everyday experiences like popping out to our local high street to buy a new outfit. However, it’s not as easy as that for those who live with a disability. Sadly, this 24% of the UK population is still hugely underrepresented in the fashion industry, with many brands not yet offering adaptive clothing or featuring disabled models in their campaigns.
Fashion designer Victoria Jenkins recognised this big gap in the market and launched her brand Unhidden in 2017. It’s been her mission to tackle ableism and to offer disabled people the chance to feel included by offering stylish garments that have been adapted to individual medical needs.
Not only is Victoria a garment technologist with 14 years’ experience in the fashion industry, but she became disabled in her twenties after she was diagnosed with multiple gastrointestinal conditions and chronic pain. This lived experience and her industry insight have proved to be key in helping the 38-year-old become CEO of her own successful brand. She is now also an ambassador for Models Of Diversity and Purple Tuesday, a global movement for improving the customer experience of disabled people and their families.
Victoria hopes her fashion brand will help break down barriers and give the disabled community equal privileges when it comes to style. “Even though attitudes are changing, the industry still has a very long way to go,” she says.
Tell us about the patient who triggered the idea for launching your own fashion brand…
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 04, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 04, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event