Inspiration
Professional wear was something almost everyone of our models have expressed they wish they had. Originally what I wanted to do was streetwear, but I think for this collection I’m going to take certain elements from that. I want to provided clothes that our clients can feel comfortable in while also looking good as well.
3 Adoptive Brands
Personally, I feel like these brands are the direction where I want to take my project aesthetically. If I were to go to market with my brand, I believe these would be my competitors.
IZ
Adaptive clothing brand
Women’s apparel, Men apparel, Unisex apparel
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Price Point Moderate- Contemporary
(They have base collection and then offer a lux collection as well)
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Price Range
$37-$315 which includes OW
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Target Market
30-45
People in the city
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Targeted Consumers
motion capabilities
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Competitive Edge (i.e., what are they known for? What makes them special?)
The brand was founded in 2009, and they are considered the trail blazer in the adaptive wear brand but something that this brand is doing is creating seamless apparel. Which is great because they are thin about how that might be an irritant for the wearer.
Key attributes for:
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Aesthetics
Causal but IZ produces some key pieces that I feel you can dress up such as blazers, bomber jackets, dress pants and collared shirts.
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
Polyester, Spandex, cotton. Blends
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Design Features
Pull tabs
IZ Seamless Technology™
Ease-of-Dress
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Innovations (as stated on their website)
IZ Seamless Technology™, which is their own technology which allowed them to produce seamless clothing or incorporate this in certain areas where seams might be an issue.
Von Ruz
Adaptive clothing brand
Women’s apparel
Price Point Moderate
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Price Range
$92-$200 which includes OW
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Target Market
20-35
People in the city
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Targeted Consumers
motion capabilities
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Competitive Edge (i.e., what are they known for? What makes them special?)
This brand was created by Vongai “Von” Noreen Ruzive who have siblings who were diagnosed Autism. So, inclusivity is something that she takes knows to be essential in the fashion world. Her brand leads more into the couture and costume space in design, her clothing pushes limitations in how she designs.
Key attributes for:
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Key attributes for:
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Aesthetics
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Causal but IZ produces some key pieces that I feel you can dress up such as blazers, bomber jackets, dress pants and collared shirts.
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
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Polyester, cotton, spandex blends
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Design Features
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Magnetic Zippers
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Detachable panels
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elasticated inserts (for better fit)
Slick Chicks
Adaptive Underwear
Women’s apparel
Price Point Moderate
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Price Range
$22-$90 which includes OW
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Target Market
20-50
Women everywhere
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Targeted Consumers
motion capabilities
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Competitive Edge (i.e., what are they known for? What makes them special?)
The brand was founded by Helya Mohammadian, wo took inspiration from her sisters struggle to get dressed after recovering from a C-section. The brand first produced intimates but it’s also expanding in lounge wear. Her clothing is designed for to help the wear to comfortably dress without feeling restricted to their clothes. Her placement of trims and use of fabric is something that really cough my attention.
Key attributes for:
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Aesthetics
Business casual, a lot of blazers, jacket, and skirts. It is a more elevated look than you average everyday look.
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
Polyester, cotton, spandex blends
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Design Features
Magnetic Zippers
Detachable panels
elasticated inserts (for better fit)
3Non-Adoptive Brands
These are the brands that in initially when I was channeling the inspiration and the direction this project.
Ralph Lauren
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Ralph Lauren
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American Luxury Fashion Company
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Types of Product Categories
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Price Point
Designer
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Price Range
$50-$20,000
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Target Market
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Ages 1-70
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Targeted Consumers
non-disabled consumers
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Competitive Edge
This brad is known as a American luxury Heritage brand, and there is so many labels with in this brand that I can be accessible to different people at different price points.
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Key attributes for:
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Aesthetics
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Ralph Lauren is known for preppy elements that include polo shirts, cable-knit sweater. These traditional pieces are incorporated in a timeless way.
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
Cotton, Silk, leather, Polyester, nylon, spandex
Off White
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Off White
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Luxury Fashion Company
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Types of Product Categories
All apparel, shoes, bags
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Price Point
Designer
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Price Range
$150-$3400
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Target Market
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Ages 22-30
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Targeted Consumers
non-disabled consumers
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Competitive Edge
This brad is known as the trail blazer for luxury street wear
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Key attributes for:
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Aesthetics
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Luxury street wear
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
Cotton, Silk, leather, Polyester, nylon, spandex
Calvin Klein
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Calvin Klein
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Luxury Fashion Company
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Types of Product Categories
All apparel, shoes, bags
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Price Point
Mass Market-Designer
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Price Range
$40-$5500
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Target Market
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Ages 22-35
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Targeted Consumers
non-disabled consumers
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Competitive Edge
This Fashion company is known American minimalist but just like Ralph Lauren they have different labels tiers with-in the company.
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Key attributes for:
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Materials or Fabrics Used in the Line
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Cotton, Silk, leather, Polyester, nylon, spandex
Radar Chart
Consumer Background Research
Based off my research:
After my research from the transcripts and interview with people who have lower-body mobility impairment. The key takeaways that are important:
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Adjustable waistlines to accommodate a range of body shapes and assistive devices.
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Easy-to-use closures (such as magnetic buttons or Velcro) to enhance independence in dressing.
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Stretch fabrics for comfort and flexibility, reducing the need for alterations.
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Stylish yet functional designs that ensure wearers feel confident and fashionable.
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Professional wear because there is a lack of options in the market.
The data helped me to understand what I wanted to create for my final project. I wanted to bridge the gap in adaptive apparel and professional wear for those who have limited mobility as well as those who find it difficult to self-dress.
Problem Statement
Women aged 24-32, particularly those with physical limitations, often struggle to find affordable and stylish professional clothing that meets their functional needs. They are seeking business casual apparel that is versatile enough for both weekdays and weekends, but the challenge lies in finding clothing that combines ease of dressing, easy-to-use closures, and comfortable fabrics. Many women in this demographic have trouble with traditional business attire due to accessibility issues, such as restrictive fastenings and uncomfortable materials. As a result, they face a gap in the market for professional clothing that is both practical and fashionable, leading to frustration and the need for constant alterations. This project aims to design a business casual pant that addresses these needs, providing a solution that is easy to wear, comfortable, and suitable for both work and leisure.