Adaptive Fashion Is More Prevalent Than Ever. Still, Current Offerings Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg.

On May 24, Liberare was picked up by Victoria’s Secret, who will offer the label along with their own adaptive fashion line. “In creating VS and PINK Adaptive, we worked with people with disabilities and experts like GAMUT Management every step of the way to make sure these products fit their needs. It resulted in a beautiful assortment, featuring easy wearability and comfort,” says Lydia Smith, Chief Diversity Officer at VS&Co. “We’re thrilled for Liberare, a woman-owned disability-adaptive brand, to join a list of dynamic brands that are part of Victoria’s Secret’s digital, third-party offerings.”

Nowadays, adaptive fashion is more prevalent than ever, from the clothing options to disability representation on the runway. In 2017, Tommy Hilfiger launched a line of adaptive fashion; model Aaron Rose Philip has become a New York Fashion Week staple, hitting the runway season after season for Collina Strada; and until her death in December 2019, model Mama Cax was a growing presence in the fashion industry, walking for Savage X Fenty and covering Teen Vogue. “Adaptive fashion has changed over my lifetime being that it’s possible and available at all, compared to even 10 years ago when there was just nothing out there,” Philip says.

But Philip, who uses a power wheelchair, does not often seek out adaptive fashion, but rather, turns to brands that create clothing that disabled customers can enjoy. “Adaptive fashion honestly does not figure into my everyday life because there are not nearly enough designers and brands that actively take part in creating space for an audience of consumers who are physically disabled and passionate about chic, beautiful clothes—which very much exists,” she says. “Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, Zappos, and Target are the most committed towards accessibility and efficiency for physically disabled customers. The amount of thought and care that they put into their clothing is deeply commendable and sets an example for all brands—especially high fashion brands.”