On 14 November 2024, Kyiv hosted an important event organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine on the topic of adaptive clothing — “Fashion Space for All: Adaptive Clothing Design”. The initiative, supported by the governments of the Republic of Korea and Germany, brought together key players in the fashion industry, disability rights activists and people with relevant life experience to raise the significant issue of accessibility of clothing for people with disabilities.
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The need for adaptive clothing: the challenges of war
The war in Ukraine has significantly changed the lives of many citizens, leading to an increase in the number of people with disabilities facing new challenges in their daily lives. One of the most challenging aspects is ordinary tasks that did not seem difficult before, such as dressing, which can now be problematic due to injuries or limited mobility.
These circumstances place new demands on society, and one of the important elements of accessibility is the creation of clothing that not only meets functional needs but also looks stylish. Adaptive clothing combines comfort, functionality, and aesthetics to help people with disabilities feel confident, independent, and dignified.
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Experts’ views on the importance of inclusivity in fashion
“Adaptive clothing is much more than just comfort, it is an opportunity for independence and confidence in everyday life,” said Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor — Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Barrier-Free Environment. She emphasised that adaptive clothing contributes to the creation of a society that supports the rights and needs of all citizens, striving for equality and inclusiveness.
Jaco Ciliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, also noted that “fashion is not just about appearance, it is a means of self-expression and inclusion. Adaptive clothing enables people to live more freely and confidently.” He thanked the governments of the Republic of Korea and Germany for supporting this important initiative.
Irina Danilevskaya, co-founder of Ukrainian Fashion Week and Vice President of the Ukrainian Fashion Council, added: “Fashion has never stood aside from social issues. Fashion is the platform from which we can and should talk about significant issues of society. Inclusivity is becoming the new normal, and we as an industry must respond to these challenges.”
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Raising awareness through practical sessions
The event featured a number of sessions dedicated to inclusive design in fashion. The session “Open Talk over Coffee” was particularly interesting, where participants shared their personal stories and experiences of using adaptive clothing. This format allowed us to consider the challenges faced by people with disabilities, as well as inspiring examples of strength and self-expression.
The demonstration show, which became an significant element of the event, demonstrated the latest innovations in the Ukrainian adaptive fashion industry. It aimed to encourage designers and brands to implement inclusive solutions where adaptability and style go hand in hand.
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UNDP’s role in promoting inclusive design
The Fashionable Space for All event is part of a broader UNDP programme aimed at creating a barrier-free environment for all Ukrainian citizens. It is in line with other UNDP initiatives, such as the School of Universal Design, which promotes the knowledge and skills needed to develop inclusivity in architecture and design.
According to UNDP representatives, adaptive clothing design initiatives are an important step towards creating a future where everyone can have access to clothing that meets their individual needs and supports their independence and dignity.
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