The fashion industry isn’t always known for being inclusive. But that’s not to say it’s not trying. Zac Posen recently made a statement by casting models of color almost exclusively in his fall 2016 show, and Naeem Khan granted 11-year-old Trinity Faith Moran’s wish (via the Make-a-Wish Foundation) to walk down his runway. Now, Tommy Hilfiger also is taking part in paving the way for inclusivity.
The American designer has partnered with Runway of Dreams — a nonprofit founded by Mindy Scheier that works with the fashion industry to adapt clothing for the disabled community — to launch the first-ever collaboration that brings adaptive mainstream clothing to consumers.
In creating the line, Scheier focused on “modified closures, adjustability and alternate options to get in and out of the garments” — three features that the New Jersey designer discovered those with disabilities wanted to find in their clothes.
The 22-piece collection, priced from $18.50 to $42.50, is now available for boys (sizes 4 to 20) and girls (sizes 4 to 18) on the designer’s website.
“Tommy Hilfiger is the first of what I believe will be many brands to do this,” Scheier, whose son was born with muscular dystrophy, wrote in a blog for Time‘s Motto on Tuesday. “It’s time for the industry to come together to make change happen — to see this consumer market as an exciting chance to engage new shoppers, but more importantly, to make an impact.”
