The Agency by AGI Denim Elevates Adaptive Denim
A new collection by AGI Denim’s The Agency aims to close a gap in adaptive apparel.
The Agency, the vertical denim manufacturer’s in-house creative service studio, partnered with Stephanie Thomas, a disability fashion stylist and founder of the consultancy Cur8able, to develop a collection of adaptive garments.
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The collection debuted at Kingpins Amsterdam in April.
Using Thomas’ “Disability Fashion Styling System: Accessible, Smart, Fashionable,” a system that focuses on accessibility, smart design and fashionable styles, the collection provides solutions for individuals with disabilities, various seated body types, dexterity challenges, amputees, and people who wear ankle foot orthosis (AFO).
The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 people experience significance disability. Despite the need for adaptive fashion, many designers do not know how to apply adaptive enhancements to their designs.
“Our goal was to provide clothes that are not only functional but also creative and stylish. I’ve noticed that much of the adaptive clothing available lacks style and aesthetic,” said Carl Chiara, global creative director of AGI Denim and The Agency. “We wanted to address that by offering something that looked great and was thoughtfully designed.”
To ensure that the collection met the needs of consumers with disabilities, The Agency team engaged in informative sessions with Thomas. These sessions focused on understanding the experiences and requirements, with creative solutions to elevate the user experience and comfort.
Accessibility was a key factor in the design process. The Agency fitted models with disabilities with finished garments to ensure ease of use. Garments feature sensory-friendly materials, modular designs and easy closures.
“I insisted on a modular design because there are days when putting on a button-down shirt is impossible,” Thomas said. “The deconstructed shirt makes dressing feasible even during flare-ups and pain.”
The line spans trend-right jeans, button-down shirts, jackets, skirts and more that accommodate prosthetics and braces.
“Born with a disability, I view this collection as human-centric, honoring disabled, chronically ill, and injured bodies. While no collection suits everyone, this one makes accessibility enjoyable for all,” Thomas said.
The collection is part of The Agency’s large offering for Fall/Winter 2025-2026 that spans silicone embossed denim, coated denim, quilted designs and more.
