Tommy Hilfiger’s Changing Lives With His New Clothing Line
The fashion industry has never been known for its inclusiveness. In fact, it wasn’t until recently that nonwhite, stick-thin models were even considered for jobs. But progress — slowly but surely — is coming: There were bionic arms, a gold prosthetic leg, and plus-size women at New York Fashion Week. But beyond that, the advances in diversity within the retail sector have come even further, with Tommy Hilfiger leading the way. On Tuesday, the brand announced a collaboration to make adaptive clothing that’s more accessible for people with disabilities.
Tommy Hilfiger, who recently showed his nautical glam-themed Fall 2016 collection, partnered with Runway of Dreams, a nonprofit organization that aims to connect differently abled adolescents with fashion that celebrates their differences. Launched by New Jersey-based fashion designer Mindy Scheier, whose son was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, the new Hilfiger line is the start of her movement. While she began Runway of Dreams for her kid, who just wanted his wardrobe to blend in with his peers’ at school, it’s since become something much bigger.
For the organization’s first major initiative, it has worked with Hilfiger to introduce versions of select styles from the brand’s Spring 2016 children’s offerings. Using technology, design modifications such as washable magnets and adjustable pant legs were incorporated into select items. The offerings are now available online in sizes 4-20 for boys and 4-18 for girls.
“Because people of all socioeconomic backgrounds live with disabilities and are deeply impacted by this issue, there’s a need for retailers across price points to tap into the Runway of Dreams community and develop modified versions of existing lines,” she wrote in an essay announcing the collection. “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.”
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