Fashion label Unhidden has been all over the press in recent weeks, as it geared up to launch its latest collection at London Fashion Week. The label was founded by Victoria Jenkins, who became Disabled in her 20s. She said: “I have worked with many household name brands - from the high street to high end - over my career. When I became Disabled, it should have been then that I realised that none of my old clothes adjusted to my new needs.
“But it was during a ten day hospital stay in 2016 that I met a fellow patient who changed the course of my life and switched on the light bulb. She had survived cancer, but she was left with multiple other conditions. Every time the doctors came round she had to remove all her clothing, usually in front of a team of doctors. Pyjama tops and loungewear were her only options - but she told me she wanted to dress in nicer clothes - but nothing would adapt. I remember watching her from the other side of the ward and thinking ‘there must be companies out there to help’ but Google returned few results.
“It was then, in that hospital, in front of that amazing lady that the idea of Unhidden was born.”
Future plans include a not-for-profit arm training people with disabilities and chronic health conditions how to sew adaptive alterations so they can then work as and when they choose making adaptive alterations for any one who doesn't sew.
You can watch a video that Unhidden made for London Fashion Week here.