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Fashion range to support wheelchair users and others with cerebral palsy

A fashion knitwear student with mild cerebral palsy has designed an inclusive collection to support wheelchair users and other people with disabilities.

Gemma web.jpg
Gemma Tyte with models wearing her knitwear range
Picture by Bartek Bartusiak

Fashion range to support wheelchair users and others with cerebral palsy

A fashion knitwear student with mild cerebral palsy has designed an inclusive collection to support wheelchair users and other people with disabilities.

Gemma Tyte, 22, who is studying BA Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University, says today’s high street brands should “think outside of the box” when it comes to inclusive fashion.

“When you consider that over 15% of the population have a disability, it makes you wonder why there’s so little adaptive clothing on the market,” said Gemma, from Axminster in Devon, whose mild cerebral palsy affects her left hand side.

“It’s even claimed there are more clothing lines for dogs than for people with disabilities, which is astonishing.

“So I want to encourage brands to think outside of the box and make big differences to be inclusive and show that it’s possible with minor adjustments to their existing ranges.

“In many cases it only means incorporating things like Velcro and magnets instead of buttons, so that garments can be fastened easily.

“Disabled people want to look like everyone else, but a lot of adapted clothes are very functional and boring. They’re not unique and don’t allow people to express themselves.”

Gemma’s range – called Bermudaful Adaptions as her father lives in Bermuda – incorporates bold colours that are not often seen in existing adaptive clothing. Focussing on womenswear, she also caters for larger sizes to increase inclusivity.

Her designs are made appropriate for wheelchair users by considering the seated position and the demands this puts on ordinary clothing.

Her garments include:

- A cotton top for wheelchair users which is cut out at the front and features a high back curve – meaning less excess fabric.

- Shorts and a top as undergarments made from comfortable merino wool, with elastic waistbands. The top features strong magnets sewn into the material to fasten the straps. Seams have been omitted from areas that a person sits on to increase comfort.

- A beach dress with a low back that is oversized to make it easy to put on, which is designed for people with a hidden disability.

- A poncho-like cape with hood that fastens with magnets. There are straps around the waist to secure it down.

- A textured dress, with adjustable back.

- A skort – shorts which look like a skirt – to provide modesty when seated, designed with a higher back to front, magnetic seams and an elasticated waist.

- A zero waste skirt that wraps around and has poppers and ties.

Gemma’s work will feature in Nottingham Trent University’s art and design Summer Show, which will see graduating artists and designers displaying their work as part of an online public exhibition on wearecreativesntu.art.

Ian McInnes, Principal Lecturer in Fashion Knitwear Design at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Gemma has taken her personal experience with modern fashion, sought the views of a range of people with disabilities, and provided a workable solution for the industry to consider.

“Her designs show that inclusive fashion can and should offer vibrant and stylish clothing, allowing people to express themselves and communicate to the outside world how they perceive their own identity.”

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    About Nottingham Trent University

    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

    NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

    The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

    It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

    The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019.

Published on 21 July 2021
  • Category: Press office; School of Art & Design