Objective:
The goal of this workshops is to design and create inclusive, adaptable, and functional fashion for people with disabilities, while raising awareness among fashion students about the importance of inclusivity in design. The objective is to bridge the gap between mainstream fashion and the needs of individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

Methodology:
The project involved first-year fashion design students from HEAD Geneva in a hands-on workshop to create adaptive clothing. The theme, “Imagining an Inclusive Fashion,” was introduced to explore functional, comfortable, and creative design solutions.
The workshop brought together students with three co-creators from ASA, all individuals with different disabilities (Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy). They shared their needs and challenges with the students, providing real-life insights into what is required for inclusive design.
Students worked on various design approaches, including zero-waste cutting, one-seam cutting, subtraction cutting, and kinetic cutting. They were encouraged to think beyond traditional tailoring methods, considering alternative closures and materials like velcro, drawstrings, and snap buttons.
The students created clothing designs that were adaptable, comfortable, and empowering, allowing individuals with diverse needs to wear them with ease. The project also focused on using flexible constructions inspired by garments like kimonos and saris.

Key Results:
The workshop resulted in several designs that are functional and adaptable for people with disabilities. The students successfully addressed challenges related to fit, comfort, and ease of wear.
Three co-creators with disabilities participated actively, contributing to the design process and sharing their lived experiences, which helped shape the final designs.
The project fostered a meaningful partnership between an educational institution (HEAD), a disability support organization (ASA), and a talented design team. This collaboration highlighted the importance of inclusivity in design.

Impact:
The project empowers individuals with disabilities by creating fashion that supports their autonomy, dignity, and self-expression.
It raised awareness among students and the broader fashion community about the need for more inclusive and accessible design in the industry.
This project challenges traditional fashion design methods and introduces alternative approaches that are more adaptable to diverse body types and physical conditions, potentially influencing future fashion industry practices.