"My mission is to turn adaptive clothing production into a business"

Contents:

• About the beginning of the journey
• About adaptive clothing
• About business

Be Easy Kid is a brand of adaptive clothing for children with special needs. We offer unique solutions such as magnetic fasteners, Velcro, and wrap-around styles that make our clothing different from ordinary children's clothing. These features not only simplify the dressing process but also promote the development of the child's independence, allowing them to feel comfortable and confident. Our goal is to create stylish and functional clothing that meets the needs of children with special needs and helps them express their individuality.

We discussed with Natalia Malko, the brand's founder, the importance of independent dressing and undressing, as well as the need for paid adaptive clothing. We also found out what famous designer Tommy Hilfiger has to say about this.

About the beginning

I have always been passionate about art and creativity, which led me to choose the profession of designer. As a child, I often drew and experimented with various materials. Then I decided to study design at university, where I gained a deep knowledge of graphics, color, and composition. Practice and participation in various projects helped me develop my skills and find my style. Over time, I realized that design is not only about creating aesthetically pleasing solutions but also about finding functional and effective ways to solve problems.

My career path has been filled with various projects that allowed me to expand my horizons and get acquainted with new technologies. I believe that constant learning and adapting to changes in the industry are key factors for a successful career as a designer. Every new project is an opportunity to learn and develop, which makes this profession especially exciting.

My mother was a tailor and worked at Bolshevichka, making my clothes as a child. She also fascinated me with creativity, and in the third grade, I began attending art school. At the same time, my dad was trying to start his own business. With the advent of computers in the 1990s, our whole family began learning Photoshop. It was then that I realized that graphic design was what I really loved.

At that time, there was no program related to my subject at universities. I found the only college that studied it and studied there for four years. After graduating, I moved to Denmark, where I attended various lectures at a design school. Upon returning to Moscow, I discovered the British School of Design, but upon learning the tuition fees, I was very upset and started working. Having saved up the necessary funds, I was finally able to enroll in a graphic design program.

The British education system offers a Foundation course, which is a preparatory stage that allows students to become familiar with various design specialties. At the end of the course, students not only choose their own field of study but also receive an assessment from their teachers, who help them identify their talents and strengths. During my studies, I was recommended to focus on fashion design. However, I still focused more on drawing. Sewing is a challenge for me, as I often struggle with straight stitches, which causes me frustration.

I studied and received a grant, which allowed me to spend my final year of study in England, in Hertfordshire. However, my plans changed when I had a child. As a result, I took an academic leave and did not return to school.

When did you realize that your daughter would need specialized care and support?

I had a normal birth, but my daughter developed a rash. At first, they suspected herpes, which poses a serious risk to newborns. Tests showed good results, the child ate and slept normally, but the rash did not go away. Doctors could not determine the cause. Fortunately, I was lucky with my doctor, who suspected a rare genetic disorder. She referred us to a specialist, and her suspicion was confirmed.

The idea of ​​​​creating a children's clothing collection arose during this period. We wanted to offer stylish and comfortable clothes for children that would reflect current fashion trends. Our collection is designed with the needs of parents and children in mind, ensuring high-quality materials and thoughtful design. We are confident that our clothes will be not only beautiful but also practical, which is very important for active little fashionistas.

I never imagined that I would take up sewing. The children's clothing market is already oversaturated, and I didn't want to create something identical. I've always been concerned about the problems of consumer society, which were discussed frequently in "Britanka," and I felt an internal rebellion. When my daughter grew up, I realized she couldn't choose her own clothes. At that moment, I clearly formulated my intentions and understood why I needed to sew. I want to create unique things that will reflect the child's individuality and promote conscious consumption.

Be Easy Kid is a brand of adaptive clothing for children with special needs. We offer unique solutions, such as magnetic closures, Velcro, and wrap-around styles, that make our clothing not only stylish but also comfortable. These design elements help children develop independence and confidence, making it easier for them to get dressed. Our goal is to create comfortable and functional clothing that meets the needs of children with special needs and their families.

We discussed the importance of independent dressing and undressing with Natalia Malko, the brand's creator. She explained why adaptive clothing shouldn't be free and how the influence of renowned designer Tommy Hilfiger is evident in this context. Natalia emphasizes the importance of developing comfortable and stylish clothing for people with special needs, which promotes their independence and self-confidence.

About adaptive clothing

Clothing is of significant importance for people with disabilities. Clothing not only protects against external factors but also affects well-being and self-confidence. The right choice of clothing can make everyday life easier, providing comfort and ease of movement.

It is important to consider the individual needs and characteristics of each person. Clothing should be not only functional but also stylish, allowing people with disabilities to express their individuality. Modern brands are beginning to take these aspects into account, creating collections adapted for people with various limitations.

Thus, the issue of clothing becomes not only practical but also social, promoting the integration of people with disabilities into society and increasing their self-esteem.

Dressing children in inappropriate clothing creates discomfort for both them and their parents. It is important to simplify the dressing process to avoid discomfort, especially if certain body parts cannot be straightened. Learning to dress and undress independently significantly increases a child's self-confidence. If they are able to button and unbutton their clothes without assistance, this opens up new opportunities, such as confidently going to the restroom at school or changing clothes during physical education and at the pool. These skills directly affect self-esteem and confidence in their abilities, which contributes to the harmonious development of the child.

My daughter is looking forward to the winter season She loves skiing. However, every training session she faces difficulties, starting with putting on her boots. The equipment staff is accustomed to our difficult moments and is always ready to help. But at that moment, hysteria sets in: "I don't want to ski, I don't like it, take me away, I'm scared." The fact is, putting on boots can be painful. However, once she gets past this stage, she joyfully glides down the slope and forgets her fears and discomfort. This process turns every ski trip into a unique adventure that strengthens her confidence and love of winter sports.

Clothing and footwear that are difficult to manage can limit children's desires and abilities. In surveys of adults with disabilities, many noted that they were unable to attend camp, despite their desire, due to the inability to change clothes on their own. Asking for help with this matter can often be awkward, especially for teenagers who feel shy when someone else helps them get dressed. This highlights the importance of creating accessible and comfortable clothing that allows children and adolescents to be more independent and participate freely in activities.

Clothing is an integral part of our lives. In today's society, a new generation of young people, under 30, is emerging who are ready to openly discuss their disabilities and actively participate in life. Consider the example of Vanya Bakaidov. Many perceive clothing as something simple, but for people with disabilities, the process of getting dressed can be complex. For example, getting ready for a date requires completely undressing, which is impossible in a tracksuit. If there is a dress code at work, putting on a button-down shirt in the morning becomes a real challenge.

I have a friend, a striking blonde with mild cerebral palsy and limited use of her hands. When we visit a cafe, she asks the waiters to help her undress and dress. However, not all people with disabilities can afford such openness and are not always prepared for such situations, even if they are in a similar situation. This underscores the importance of understanding and support from society to create a comfortable environment for everyone.

One night, she called me crying and told me about her situation. At a conference in Sochi, she wore a stunning red dress that attracted attention. However, when all the events were over and she returned to her room, it became clear to her that she could not take off this dress on her own. Asking the receptionist for help makes her feel awkward. She finds it difficult to imagine what to say: "Come and help me undress?" She remembers how beautiful she used to be, and tears roll down her face. The clothing she is wearing limits her freedom, even in such simple things as the ability to undress independently before bed. This emphasizes the importance of freedom and comfort in everyday life, as well as the need for support during difficult moments. Adaptive clothing should combine functionality, comfort, and style. It is designed for people with special needs, such as disabilities or limited physical abilities. Key characteristics of adaptive clothing include ease of putting on and taking off, the use of soft and stretchy materials, and the presence of special elements that facilitate the dressing process. It's important that such clothing not only supports everyday life but also aligns with current fashion trends, allowing people to express their individuality. Adaptive clothing should be accessible and diverse to meet the needs of every individual.

People with disabilities shouldn't feel isolated from society, and their clothing shouldn't stand out from the crowd. Society already faces many prejudices, and it's important that clothing for these individuals is comfortable and discreet. They shouldn't be dressed in clothing that emphasizes their differences, such as clothes that resemble potato sacks. Everyone deserves to look stylish and comfortable. Jeans can be casual, but with functional details like Velcro or elastic for easy access to devices on their legs. T-shirts can also remain classic, but with convenient fasteners that make dressing easier. It is important to create clothes that combine style and functionality, so that everyone can feel part of society without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.

In Adaptive clothing collections are currently being actively developed in America. I hope this trend will soon spread to our country. For example, Marks & Spencer offers adaptive clothing for children, and Tommy Hilfiger has introduced a full line of such clothing. What makes these collections unique is that their design is no different from traditional clothing. When I wear my own designs, I often hear comments like, "Why do you call this disability clothing? Why are you deceiving people?" To which I reply, "Thank you." However, it's worth noting that my shirt, for example, fastens with magnets and can be unbuttoned in a second. Adaptive clothing is becoming an important part of the fashion industry, providing comfort and style for people with disabilities.

Creating a special line of clothing for people with disabilities raises many questions. It is important to consider the need for unique solutions for this group, or whether it is sufficient to develop functional items that can be used by both active tourists and people with prosthetics. Specialized clothing can accommodate the characteristics and needs of people with disabilities, ensuring comfort and convenience in everyday life. However, functional products adapted for a wide range of users can also meet many needs. Ultimately, the choice depends on the preferences and individual requirements of each person, which highlights the importance of diversity in the fashion industry for all categories of consumers.

In the fashion industry, it is important to pay more attention to people with disabilities. Representing people with disabilities in advertising helps create a sense of inclusion and understanding. Inclusion in fashion means that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, should feel represented and considered. This not only promotes diversity, but also helps the public realize that fashion should be accessible to everyone.

About Business

I have been inspired by a variety of people and events. In literature, I have drawn inspiration from great writers whose works have left an indelible mark on culture. I have also been influenced by innovators in the arts and sciences who have boldly pursued their goals despite difficulties. Their perseverance and creativity serve as a source of motivation for me. Furthermore, I am inspired by people who show kindness and care for others, as they show how important humanity is in our world. Ultimately, each of these factors shapes my worldview and helps me move forward in life and creativity.

I saw a talk by Mindy Shyer, who launched a line of adaptive clothing in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger. At first, I was surprised why Hilfiger needed this. However, after reading his book, "The Journey to the Dream," I learned that he has three children with autism. This made me realize he was likely aware of the challenges families face. I began researching the situation in Russia, actively participating in social media and joining communities to learn how parents were coping. I discovered that there were girls who sewed clothes for children with disabilities—those who couldn't dress themselves. These were primarily knitwear, such as bodysuits, which help make their daily lives easier. While researching funding opportunities, I learned about various grants and applied for them. In 2020, I discovered the Open Style Lab program, which designs clothing for people with spinal muscular atrophy and creates unique pieces. This New York-based nonprofit actively promotes inclusive fashion and collaborates with Parsons School of Design. I was accepted to the program, but was unable to travel due to the pandemic. The online program exposed me to the international community and taught me how fashion designers collaborate with physical and occupational therapists. This gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of the development of adaptive clothing.

Our project is organized using a clear structure and efficient processes. We begin with an analysis of user needs, which allows us to clearly define goals and objectives. Then, during the planning stage, we formulate a strategy and identify key implementation stages.

During the development process, we use modern technologies and approaches, which ensures the high quality of the final product. A team of professionals works closely together to ensure that every detail meets high standards.

After development is complete, we conduct testing to identify and eliminate any potential errors. This allows us to ensure the reliability and stability of the project.

Finally, after launch, we continue to support and develop the project, taking user feedback into account and introducing new features. This approach allows us to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and adapt to changing market demands.

Currently, I don't have my own production facility and collaborate with third-party seamstresses to create collections. In the future, when I launch my own production facility, I plan to involve rehabilitation specialists and therapists to develop more complex designs. Currently, I create patterns and finished products, which I present to experts for testing. The feedback I receive helps me identify areas for modification, areas of discomfort, and improvements. My clothes help occupational therapists teach children how to dress themselves.

Currently, I am focused on fulfilling individual orders. To better understand the market and develop a standardized model, it is necessary to collect feedback from parents. Consumer demand for adaptive clothing has not yet developed, and most manufacturers in this field work on a case-by-case basis. This is especially relevant for children with severe deformities, for whom comfort and functionality of clothing are essential. Collecting parents' opinions will help identify key needs and preferences, which will improve the offerings in the adaptive clothing market.

In my ideal future, I see a functional clothing brand specifically designed for people with severe curvatures. The adaptive clothing market will only be able to fully develop if the sewing process becomes widespread and organized. This will allow for the production of items in large quantities, ensuring accessibility and a variety of styles for buyers.

In an ideal future, Be Easy Kid represents a unique combination of a commercial project and social entrepreneurship. It aims to create a sustainable business model that not only generates profit but also solves pressing social problems. The main goal is to create value for society while ensuring financial stability and growth. This approach draws attention to important social issues such as education, health, and the well-being of young people, while simultaneously creating opportunities for customers and partners. Thus, in an ideal future, Be Easy Kid will serve as an example of how a business can effectively combine commercial interests and social initiatives. It is important for the project to have a commercial basis and become an integral part of the fashion industry. Emotional ideas rarely become part of the market. For example, in the past, plus-size clothing was not popular. I have a plus-size father, and I remember the first Three Fat Men store opening in the 1990s. I visited it to choose a birthday present for him and was surprised by the prices. Today, everything has changed. Likewise, maternity and nursing clothing has also found its place in the market. This was not a free offer, and such an approach is not social business. The development of these fashion segments underscores the importance of commercial success and market demand.

My mission is to make adaptive clothing accessible and popular in mass production. I strive to ensure that everyone can easily walk into a store, like Sela, and find the right clothing. There should be no restrictions or special conditions. Everyone should be able to dress stylishly and comfortably, regardless of their physical abilities.

Learn more about the design, by subscribing to our Telegram channel. There you will find the latest news, useful tips, and inspiration for your creativity. Join a community interested in modern design trends.

Check out the following materials:

• Inclusive Design: Ways to Expand Your Product's Audience
• "Nobody Thinks About What Doesn't Concern Them—And That's Okay": Vadim Chagin, an expert on non-visual interface accessibility, talks about his user experience and the main mistakes designers and developers make
• "The version for the visually impaired is one big drawback": Valeria Kurmak on the designer-developer tandem, communication challenges, and inclusive design in Russia

Learn more about design by subscribing to our Telegram channel. We share the latest news, useful tips, and inspiring ideas in the world of design. Join us and stay up to date with the latest trends!