adaptive Fashion
With Jessica JOrdan PinG Columbia College Chicago
Fashion should be inclusive, not Exclusive!
The fashion industry is a trillion-dollar industry that has unfortunately overlooked one of the communities most in need of support: individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mobility differences, and age-related physical challenges. These communities need clothing that helps address their day-to-day struggles while offering more than just functionality or trends.
Despite being significantly underserved and underrepresented, the adaptive fashion market is estimated to generate between $18–30 billion in revenue. Yet it is still largely considered an untapped market. While some products currently available help solve many of the challenges this community faces, they often lack uniqueness and variety. This limits individuals’ ability to express themselves through diverse prints, styles, and colors — and, most importantly, to develop a personal sense of style due to the limited choices available.
Inclusive not Exclusive!
Inclusive not Exclusive!
With Jessica Jordan Ping
Collaboration
Evening Wear Dress
In collaboration with @therollinexplorer, Jessica Jordan Ping — a Chicago-based social media influencer — creates content focused on music, beauty, and fashion while continuously uplifting and bringing awareness to individuals living with limb differences, like herself.
Jessica visited our classroom a total of three times throughout this collaboration. During our first meeting, we had the opportunity to learn more about her personal experiences, including her likes and dislikes, the pain points she encounters when searching for garments that work in conjunction with her limb differences, and how she believes the fashion industry can improve in creating products that are both inclusive and fashion-forward for people with similar experiences.
Our second meeting allowed us to present our design sketches and garment progress while receiving valuable feedback on our current samples. Jessica provided insight into areas that could be adjusted to improve fit, functionality, and overall aesthetic.
Our final meeting consisted of a presentation of the final look created for Jessica, along with a showcase of our use of 3D design technology to our collaborators at YKK. Through this collaboration, YKK provided us with adaptive zipper solutions specifically designed to support garments for individuals with disabilities, such as Jessica.
Working with Adaptive Fashion
yKK
Browzwear Redefining Adaptive Fashion: Columbia College Chicago -June 20, 2025
“Group 2 tackled the lack of fashionable adaptive evening wear. They designed a customizable dress with princess seams, magnetic closures, and a hidden slit, taking inspiration from Jessica’s needs and preferences, including her desire for a sense of normalcy and elegance..”
