MANIFESTO

Adaptive Fashion
Body Innovations

 
 “Rather than conceptualizing bodies from the position of not knowing what they are, we should begin from the position that we don't know what bodies are not”

-Leopold Lambert and Minh Ha T. Pham

No pants, never a bra, no halter tops or spaghetti straps, no tights, fishnets, or leggings, never corsets, probably no t-shirts, hoodies can be weird, sweaters in theory but never in actuality, most jackets are fine but never a puffer or sports, no vests, no boleros, nothing strapless, and under no circumstances anything tight on the upper arm. No snaps, maybe not clasps, hooks on occasion, nothing taut, no lacing, and only select zippers. No pressure on the upper arms, upper thigh, lower thigh, around the knee, the achilles, the lower back, the scapula, the shoulders, the wrists, underarms, anything near the hips, and until recently, the neck





Fashion is a means by which one can control their outward expression.
Fashion includes all choices around
the physical expression of one's self,
clothing, hairstyle, makeup, jewelry, religious garments, etc. It is the first way humans are able to recognize each other's backgrounds, what communities one belongs to, and what social position one is in.

SUBJECT POSITIONS

 
  • Gender
  • Sexuality
  • Culture
  • Class
  • Community
  • Personality




Chronic Pain Manifested


Looking at my own chronic pain as a reference, these graphics show the areas I experience pain non-stop. These areas are extremely sensitive towards pressure, not just the pressure that would come from pressing on the area, but pressure coming from garments pulling and holding tension as the body moves. 
We also must consider undergarments in this conversation. Nearly all upper and lower body
undergarments will cause flare-ups and pain. This limitation also greatly affects what clothing options can be worn as certain pieces require undergarments for shape and styling, but also for the wearer’s own comfort and modesty.
 

In Medical Spaces


The research makes it clear that medical spaces need to provide better clothing options for t patients. There have been attempts by designers to make that transition, but the medical spaces don't follow through on their end. As our societal systems are built on capitalist values and hospitals are encouraged t cut corners where possible, I do not believe that working through the medical system will lead to advances in the clothing/dressing patient experience.
  As designers and community members, it's our job to include those forgotten or left behind, in this case, those in medical spaces seeking better options.
I would like to propose a system by which designers and brands could collaborate to create designs that are applicable to daily life and also consider the medical spaces
wearers may find themselves in. Using a tag to mark that the garment is hospital safe so that the patient would be allowed to wear their own garment where in these spaces when possible.