The Adaptive Clothing Collective is an Australian initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility in fashion for people with disabilities. Founded by the teams behind Christina Stephens, JAM the Label, and The Shapes United, the Collective seeks to amplify the voices of adaptive fashion brands and raise awareness in mainstream media, retail, and the broader fashion industry. Their mission is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same freedom of expression through clothing as anyone else.

Founding Members of the Adaptive Clothing Collective

1. Christina Stephens
   Christina Stephens focuses on creating functional and stylish apparel for individuals with disabilities. The brand aims to provide clothing that enhances independence and comfort.

2. JAM the Label
    JAM the Label offers adaptive clothing designed to make dressing easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities. Their products are recognized as 'low-cost assistive technology' by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), featuring design elements that assist in dressing and increase independence.

3. The Shapes United
   This brand is committed to sustainable processes throughout the fashion lifecycle, from agriculture and product development to manufacturing and recycling. As a founding member of the Adaptive Clothing Collective, The Shapes United brings strength and unity to the message of inclusive fashion.

Impact and Recognition

The Adaptive Clothing Collective gained significant attention at the 2022 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW), where they presented a runway show featuring models with disabilities. The event showcased the inclusive designs of Christina Stephens and JAM the Label, receiving widespread media coverage and a standing ovation from attendees. 

Through their collaborative efforts, the Collective aims to challenge traditional fashion norms and promote a more inclusive industry that recognises the diverse needs and expressions of all individuals.

The Adaptive Clothing Collective seminar at the 2022 Afterpay Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF) was a pivotal event in the Australian fashion landscape, focusing on the intersection of inclusivity, design, and functionality in fashion for people with disabilities.

Seminar Highlights

• Styling for Adaptive Fashion Workshop: Held as part of the MFF's broader commitment to inclusivity, this workshop was designed to educate and inspire fashion professionals on styling adaptive clothing. It aimed to bridge the gap between traditional fashion styling and the unique needs of adaptive fashion, emphasizing the importance of versatility and accessibility in garment design. (adaptiveclothingcollective.com)

• Industry Collaboration: The seminar featured insights from leading adaptive fashion designers and industry experts, fostering a collaborative environment to discuss challenges and opportunities in the adaptive fashion sector. This collaboration was crucial for promoting understanding and encouraging the integration of adaptive designs into mainstream fashion.

• Focus on Functionality and Aesthetics: Discussions centered around creating garments that are not only functional for individuals with disabilities but also aesthetically pleasing. The seminar highlighted the importance of adaptive fashion in empowering individuals to express their personal style without compromising on comfort or accessibility.

• Call to Action for Retailers: A significant takeaway from the seminar was the call for major retailers to expand their offerings to include adaptive fashion lines. The event underscored the growing demand for inclusive clothing options and the need for the fashion industry to evolve to meet these needs. 

Overall, the Adaptive Clothing Collective seminar at the 2022 MFF was a significant step towards fostering inclusivity in the fashion industry, providing valuable insights and sparking important conversations about the future of adaptive fashion.