Apparel brand ASOS just launched a tie-dye waterproof jumpsuit right in time for festival season. The coolest part, though, is that it's the first time the retailer has designed clothes specifically with wheelchair-accessibility in mind. They partnered with BBC reporter and GB Paralympic hopeful, Chloe Ball-Hopkins, from start to finish.
So over the last several months I have been working with @ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one! Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It's about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?! https://t.co/1gzzkRlED9 https://t.co/7yS57QEmpD
After she began preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Ball-Hopkins emailed the brand with a clothing suggestion — a casual, waterproof jumpsuit with a breast pocket able to hold essentials, like a phone and medication — and they agreed to work with her!
'I said this needs to change ... so I sent out a few emails and @ASOS agreed to work with me'. @chloe_ballhopzy on becoming the first #wheelchair user to model on the fashion retailer's website. #Disability #Fashion https://t.co/eh1GPfjiIN
In an interview with Racked, Ball-Hopkins said, "I could wear it and you could wear it. It's not about making fashion for people with disabilities, it's about people making fashion for everybody but having people like me in mind during the process." Hell yeah, Chloe!
The tie-dye jumpsuit, which currently retails at ASOS for $64 (adding to cart NOW), has dual zippers for the jacket and pants so that you can wear it as a one-piece or as a set, adjustable cuffs to alter the sleeve length, and a longer hem in the back to keep the suit "from riding up when you’re getting from A to B."
And of course the social media reactions have been heartwarming AF.
This is so awesome @ASOS! Everything I’m fighting for!! #disabledfashion https://t.co/vtkzCJlhU2
This is SO exciting!! @chloe_ballhopzy has been busy since we last heard from her & this is why... She's been designing wet weather wear with ASOS "It's not about making disabled fashion it's about making fashion accessible" https://t.co/ZhLfp2firt #disabled #fashion #wheelchair https://t.co/4Kqvl9DXxD
Fashion brands - please read the comments on Chloe's post. So many unmet needs from women with health & disability issues who just want practical, fashionable clothes. Bravo @chloe_ballhopzy and @ASOS for leading the charge. https://t.co/60ssrl6c6G
@chloe_ballhopzy @thatkat @ASOS Brilliant! This is the most positive tweet to have appeared in my feed all week. We need more fashion companies to embrace accessibility (in its widest sense) to meet the needs of all their customers