From Snub to Spotlight: Designer Revolutionizes Fashion for Disabled Style

Hanan Tantush, a 23-year-old designer from Chester, has made it her mission to create fashionable and practical clothing for people with disabilities. Her journey began when her grandad, Michael Myers, struggled to find trousers that fit comfortably after cancer surgery left him with a stoma bag. The only trousers that did not cause him pain were jogging bottoms, but he disliked their casual look. Hanan remembered her grandad as a proud Merchant Navy engineer who always dressed sharply, with pressed trousers and polished shoes. Seeing him lose confidence because of clothing made Hanan want to help others in similar situations.

While studying, Hanan designed adaptive clothing for disabled people as part of her coursework. However, she was told, 'Disabled people don't need fashion,' a comment that angered her deeply. She realized that the fashion industry often treats disability as a niche, and most big brands only offer basic tracksuits in different colors as their 'adaptive' lines. Determined to change this, Hanan founded Intotum, which means 'as a whole' in Latin. Her company creates stylish and functional clothes, such as wheelchair-friendly trench coats, capes, side-opening trousers, and garments with magnetic or Velcro fastenings. She also designs clothes with discreet pockets for stoma bags, inspired by her grandad's experience.

Intotum's collection was featured at London Fashion Week, giving visibility to adaptive fashion. Hanan wants disabled people to feel empowered and stylish, not pitied or overlooked. She hopes to expand her collections and open physical stores so more people can access her designs. Many customers have reached out to her, saying her clothes have allowed them to dress independently for the first time in years. Hanan believes that fashion should help everyone express themselves and that no one should be excluded from feeling good about what they wear. Her grandad is proud of her work and tells everyone about her business, knowing he inspired her to make a positive change.