Fashion items created for people with disabilities

Destiny Pinto, a creative individual from Crawley, West Sussex, has taken a bold step in the fashion world by designing a unique collection of stylish accessories specifically for people with disabilities. This initiative was sparked by her own experience of needing to wear compression gloves due to rheumatoid arthritis. Destiny realized that there were very few fashionable options available for individuals who require such medical aids. She expressed her frustration by stating, 'It’s almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion. ' Her innovative designs have gained significant attention on social media, amassing millions of views. Notable personalities, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and singer Sza, have engaged with her work, showcasing the impact of her creations. Destiny shared that she often receives heartfelt stories from individuals who feel empowered and confident after discovering her designs. She mentioned children who wear colostomy bags or hearing aids, many of whom have struggled with their self-image until they encountered her fashionable solutions. One of the key inspirations behind Destiny's work is her best friend, Nikola, who underwent life-saving bowel surgery at the young age of 21 and now permanently wears a stoma bag. Nikola highlighted the challenges of finding clothing that is both fashionable and functional, stating, 'Anything tight around the waist causes leaks or pancaking so I have to think about baggy clothing or waistlines that sit higher or lower to avoid putting pressure on my stoma. ' She also pointed out that while there are some covers available for stoma bags, they often resemble plain tablecloths and lack creativity. Nikola desires clothing that allows her to express her personality and make a statement. Destiny's designs were partly inspired by Nikola's experiences, as she understands the importance of feeling confident in one's appearance. Nikola remarked, 'The stoma bag can look very clinical, which stands out. These covers let me match my outfit. They’re not just practical, they’re a way for me to feel like myself again, like an accessory that adds to my style rather than detracting from it. ' In addition to her work with stoma bags, Destiny also faced the challenge of finding stylish compression gloves. When she was told she would need to wear them, she was disappointed to find that there were no fashionable options available, which led her to create her own designs. Libby Herbert, the chief executive of Colostomy UK, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry. She stated, 'If the industry doesn’t embrace accessibility, it can lead to isolation and poor mental health. People may avoid returning to work or struggle to maintain relationships. But being able to express yourself - even with a stoma bag - through fashion can significantly impact someone’s wellbeing. ' Destiny's vision for her project extends beyond merely selling products. She aspires to create a community where individuals can connect and share their experiences. She stated, 'I want it to be a community - a platform that I never had when I was diagnosed, and that Nikola never had either.