StyleAble fashion and design workshops

Tenants at Action for Blind People’s supported housing unit, Bradbury Oak, recently took part in a fashion and design workshop organised by StyleAble, an online fashion, beauty and lifestyle resource which provides information, news and advice for blind and partially sighted people.

People at fashion senses workshop

The tenants were given a range of textured materials and brought along their own items of clothing which they customised. One of the items was a football inspired t-shirt designed by Simon Cowler. He said "It was such a great day and with the support of the StyleAble team we had lots of opportunity to design and customise. I don’t get to do that type of thing very often because of my sight loss, but working with my hands and being able to talk about the issues I have with clothing and garment design was brilliant."

The workshop is part of a project which will explore the non visual aspects of garment design and is one of a series of 5 which will be taking place next year. StyleAble founder Kiesha Meikle says "The designs and images from the workshops will form part of an exhibition and fashion show next year. We have been working with blind and partially sighted people and fashion designers, to explore the non visual aspects of clothing, focusing on texture, fit and functionality. We hope that our workshops will give blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to explore fashion design and talk about their likes and dislikes."

Feedback from the first workshop has proven that the fashion industry - including manufacturers, retailers and designers - do not think enough about the functionality of clothing, especially when it comes to blind and partially sighted people. The exhibition and fashion show will be an opportunity for those that work in the industry, to gain some feedback from their visually impaired customers on what they think of their clothing and what changes could be made.

To sign up for future StyleAble Fashion Senses workshop email: info@styleable.co.uk

Posted on 23 December 2011, in Other