The fashion industry is changing, and that's a fact. In the past year alone, we've already seen plus-size model Ashley Graham walk the runway in her very own lingerie line, Madeline Stuart become the second model with Down Syndrome to walk during NYFW, and Lauren Wasser proudly show off her prosthetic leg in high-fashion. Models are redefining traditional beauty each and every day, and now Tommy Hilfiger is doing his part to make a difference in the industry.
The iconic designer has teamed up with the nonprofit organization Runway of Dreams, which was founded by New Jersey mom and fashion designer Mindy Scheier in 2013 to create adaptable clothing options for those with disabilities, according to Hollywood Reporter. Thanks to Hilfiger, Runway of Dreams now has its first-ever fully adaptive mainstream clothing collection for children.
"Tommy Hilfiger is the first of what I believe will be many brands to do this," Scheier wrote in a blog post 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."
Scheier started the organization because of her son Olivier, who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and never had the option of wearing the same clothes that his friends were wearing since typical zippers and buttons were difficult for him. In creating this new 22-piece collection, she focused on "modified closures, adjustability and alternate options to get in and out of garments." MagnaReady closures, which use magnets, replaced buttons and zippers, and sleeve and pant lengths were made fully adjustable for those with limb differences or low muscle tone. Alternate ways to get in and out of clothing were also added.
"[Olivier] really felt strongly about being able to wear jeans like other kids," Scheier told PeopleStyle. "It didn't even cross his mind that it wasn't going to be an option for him. It shouldn't have to be an option for anybody."
As for why she chose to partner with Tommy Hilfiger, "They're very family oriented; they're all-American; they represent so many important things within the industry," she continued. "Honestly, the amazing thing about the differently-abled population is that it knows no age and it knows no socio-economical background. So I really don't have a dream brand. My dream is that everybody has a brand that works into their life and no matter where you are in life in terms of what you can afford I hope that there's an adaptive option out there for them."
"Our company has always embraced the diversity of our customers," Gary Sheinbaum, CEO of Tommy Hilfiger Americas, said in a statement. "Runway of Dreams helped further our understanding of the differently-abled community's unique needs, and with this knowledge, we hope that we will be able to better serve them."
The clothes range from $18.50 to $42.50 and are now available online for boys sizes 4 to 20 and girls sizes 4 to 18. The Tommy Hilfiger customer service team has also been trained by Scheier so they are fully knowledgeable on the new line should shoppers have any questions, according to Fashionista. Scheier also taught them the proper language to use when speaking about those with disabilities and the demographic as a whole. The brand is already working two seasons ahead, so we can be expecting more from this children's line in the future, and they probably won't be stopping there.
"Similar to plus-size departments, our goal is that there's an adaptive department for every brand and retailer," Scheier explained. "Our modifications are meant to be utilized in any other collection-children's, women's, men's. It's an enormous department that's not serviced by the industry. There's so much opportunity."
