Fashion label caters for people with physical impairments

Noting that arthritis and MS sufferers can experience difficulties with standard designs, Xeni Collection is now offering fashionable attire that is designed to be easier to put on.

Despite the wealth of items currently on offer on the high streets, a number of people face a struggle with mainstream fashion garments, a fact that provided the inspiration for the Downs Designs clothes label Springwise saw recently, offering garments designed to fit those with Downs Syndrome. Noting that arthritis and MS sufferers can also experience difficulties with standard designs, Xeni Collection is now offering fashionable attire that is designed to be easier to put on. The range is the brainchild of Ann Oliver, a former architect whose MS forced her into a new line of work. Oliver, who has re-trained in fashion, seeks to offer clothes created especially for wheelchair users and those who find buttons and clasps difficult to use. The range is aimed at people with MS, carple tunnel syndrome, lupus and arthritis, among other physical impairments. Where existing designs for the demographic focus on functionality, the Xeni Collection aims to feature couture-quality attire. Garments use magnets instead of zips and buttons for easy closing, and ‘free seats’ – where the fabric is cut away at the rear to make the piece easy to take on and off while sitting. The site currently features dresses, coats, trousers and jackets available for GBP 250 to GBP 550. Oliver has also designed easy-to-wear jewelry pieces for the collection which are yet to be put into production. One to partner with to help those with physical impairments around the world?