Painting Inclusivity
For my Fashion Theory & Analysis final project, I wanted to explore inclusive design. I created a Spring/Summer 2023 Childrenswear line of sustainable, gender neutral apparel for sensory-sensitive kids using Fashion Theory to predict future trends.
I started with a matching set of compression garments to be worn on their own or layered under the coordinating outfits. With built-in fidget toys and soft, breathable textiles, this line was designed with sensory issues in mind, but is marketable to all children.
Custom print created in Adobe Photoshop, video editing in Premiere Pro, and apparel flats in Illustrator.
An excerpt from the paper:
Todays’ society is moving away from gender binaries towards gender fluidity and unique individual expression. This is already seen in the retail space, specifically among Generation Z customers. Bloomberg of the Business of Fashion notes, “Fifty-six percent of Gen Z consumers are already shopping outside of their gender" (Bloomberg, 2019). Gen Z is the newest generation entering the retail market and are the current leaders when it comes to changing ideals regarding gender identity (Parker-Ignelik, 2020), which will only increase with succeeding Generation Alpha. Children ages four to seven are extremely impressionable, which makes them an ideal group for encouraging social change (Leventry, 2020). Simultaneously, this age cohort is entering early phases of self discovery and it is important that we allow them to creatively define themselves. The ideology that girls are supposed to be dainty, and boys tough is quickly becoming extinct, and we strive to express that through this line. Our adaptive designs feature colorful utilitarian style clothing options with both relaxed and form fitting silhouettes that are accessible to all genders. We hope to abolish the separation of children's clothing based on gender and replace it with inclusive, self expressive designs.