This year, AFTERPAY Australian Fashion Week will present something wonderful for the very first time – the Adaptive Clothing Collective debut runway presentation. The event takes place on Thursday 12 May at 10 am in Sydney, featuring a new and never before seen inclusive fashion collection.
This is not only the debut of a new adaptive clothing range born in Australia, but also the launch of a stellar new partnership. Two of Australia’s most inspirational inclusive fashion icons have joined forces to take the adaptive clothing industry to new heights.
Carol Taylor, renowned as Australia’s first quadriplegic inclusive clothing designer, has partnered with the Christina Stephens clothing label founder, Jessie Sadler. Watch this video to see how these two fashion innovators are working together:
A first for inclusive Australian fashion
The new Australian fashion partnership is being hailed as a “revolution” and “world first” by fashion magazines like Inside Retail. And we couldn’t agree more. Carol and Jessie are both innovators in their own right.
Carol joins the Christina Stephens label as a partner and lead design and also as production manager. It’s a win-win situation for accessibility and Australian fashion! Each designer brings something unique to the table, from elegance and sophistication to beauty and innovative adaptability.
That said, the dynamic duo isn’t giving away any secrets about the new collection. All we know is that it’s inclusive, ready to wear and launching on 12 May at the Australian Fashion Week.
“Let me just say, there’s something very special being designed for the girl that can’t stand up.“
– Carol Taylor
We also know the items from the collection will go on pre-sale after the show. So keep an on the label’s website and social media. That way you can get their latest news as soon as it’s announced.
“We’ve worked on some completely new, exciting, and thought-provoking pieces.”
– Jessie Sadler
Pssst. After Australian Fashion week, they also have a new Menswear Collection coming out. It’s going to be accessible, formal, comfy and, of course, stylish!
Carol Taylor
Carol’s designs are born out of her experience as a quadriplegic. Paralysed from the chest down, with no hand or finger movement, she’s found innovative ways to use adaptive tools and limited arm movement to design and paint. We featured her incredible paintings in our article on accessible art.
In 2019 Carol showcased her inclusive clothing designs at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, to great applause. Since then she has continued broadening her range and finetuning its functionality.
Carol’s Australian fashion designs are beautiful, adaptable and easy to change in and out of. This means they also cater to temperature fluctuations and conditions like autonomic dysreflexia.
Christina Stephens
You might think Christina Stephens is the other woman in the dynamic duo, but it’s actually Jessie Sadler. She named the label after her mum Christina and dad, Stephen.
Jessie started the label when her mum was experiencing a short-term disability and she saw there weren’t enough adaptive clothing options available in Australia. The choices that did exist didn’t satisfy physical needs as well as style and elegance. Not only has her label helped remedy this, but it’s growing from strength to strength and is now available from The Iconic.
Earlier this year we published an article on clothing featuring Carol Taylor, Christina Stephens and EveryHuman – read about this adaptive clothing in Australia here.
AFTERPAY Australian Fashion Week – accessible and inclusive
The Adaptive Clothing Collective debut runway presentation for Fashion Week is taking place at Carriageworks in Eveleigh, NSW. Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Just like the Australian fashion on show, the venue is also inclusive and wheelchair accessible. Here’s what inclusive facilities you can expect at this historic Australian fashion event:
| Accessibility at the Adaptive Clothing Collective debut | Key information |
| Wheelchair accessible | Contact +61 2 8571 9099 in advance to book an onsite wheelchair |
| Accessible seating available | You can buy tickets for up to two accompanying patrons for the accessible seating area |
| Companion cards | Complimentary tickets may be available with a companion card. Contact +61 2 8571 9100 to find out more. This depends on the event and not only on the venue. |
| Access ramp | Street level access ramp at 245 Wilson Street leads to the main entrance |
| Accessible parking | Entrance at 229 Wilson Street for wheelchair taxi drop-off or accessible parking. There are four mobility parking spaces at the Carriageworks car park (arrive early!) |
| Accessible toilets | Accessible toilets are available in the main building |
| Assistance Dogs | Accredited assistance dogs always welcome throughout the precinct |
Insurance to protect your independence and mobility
We’re excited that AFTERPAY Australian Fashion Week is supporting inclusivity. We believe every person has the right to mobility. Of course, being able to move freely and feel good in what you wear is part of that.
Whether you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter or drive a modified car you deserve independence. And it should be yours to keep and protect. This also applies to having an assistance dog. That’s why we offer wheelchair insurance, mobility scooter insurance, assistance dogs insurance (and pet insurance) and disability car insurance.
These plans mean you can go where you need to and when you need to with peace of mind. If your mobility equipment or car is stolen or damaged, your insurance plan will help cover the costs of repair or replacement. And your pet plan can help cover healthcare costs for your assistance dog or pet.
Click below to get a quote.
