logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
22m 59s

Fashion without barriers

Bbc World Service
About this episode

What we wear helps us express ourselves and communicate to others in the most immediate way. But the tools we frequently use to do that, such as clothing and haircare are not available to everyone equally.

One in six of us has a disability of some sort - according to the World Health Organisation - but most clothing and beauty brands don’t take account of that. From making shops accessible to catering for differences in design and size, few companies address these particular needs.

This week on People Fixing The World we’re talking to people trying to change that. Hair and Care is a London-based hairstyling workshop which helps people with visual impairments take better care of their hair.

Plus, we bring together two entrepreneurs who’ve brought adaptive clothing to Africa and Asia allowing people with disabilities to fully express themselves in the way they dress. We also meet the UK-based adaptive clothing company that could affect the way we all dress – by working with technology companies to develop a scanner that will help in tailoring for all body shapes.

Presenter: Myra Anubi Reporters: Emma Tracey, Claire Bowes Producer: Claire Bowes Series Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound mix: Hal Haines

(Image: Wearapy model photoshoot)

Up next
Jul 28
Who does the housework?
How much work do you do to keep your household running smoothly? Figures suggest domestic work still falls mostly to women - leading to resentment and burnout. This week we’re hearing from Indonesia and Croatia about projects helping change that. In rural Indonesia we visit the i ... Show More
23m 27s
Jul 21
How to make cities better for everyone
A special edition of People Fixing The World recorded in front of a live audience at the University of Nairobi as part of the BBC’s Future of Journalism Festival.Cities around the world are growing fast - they are the most efficient way of supporting large numbers of people. But ... Show More
30m 13s
Jul 13
How to reuse and repair
Across the world, everyday products — from kitchen appliances to electronics — are often thrown away rather than repaired. The latest UN estimates suggest people generate around 2 billion tonnes of household and everyday waste each year. This week we travel to Argentina to meet p ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2022
The adaptive fashion revolution
Adaptive fashion, or stylish clothes for people who have a disability have not always been widely available, especially for those who use a wheelchair. Recently though, a fashion revolution has begun. We hear from the women pushing the industry to change. British Somali Faduma Fa ... Show More
18m 46s
May 2023
Fashion Re-imagined
FASHION RE-IMAGINED: Laurie Taylor talks to Angela McRobbie, Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, University of London about the working lives of independent designers in London, Berlin and Milan, at a time when fashion is under the spotlight due to concerns about the environment an ... Show More
28m 17s
Aug 2024
skinny privilege
This week’s episode delves into body diversity within the modest fashion world. Inclusivity in fashion means ensuring everyone feels represented and valued, is this the reality for us? listen to more episodes⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠@justdelusional_⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠@nawalsari ⁠⁠⁠on insta ... Show More
29 m
Jul 2025
The state of fashion
Whether you love or hate fashion, we all have to get dressed in the morning. And the industry affects us in complex ways. This hour, the outrageous, environmental and seedy sides of fashion. Guests include designer Machine Dazzle, supply chain expert Aparna Mehta, journalist Aman ... Show More
49m 39s
Oct 2021
Fashion Goals
Fashion is really all about self expression.Whether you like it comfy and casual or couture… your clothes can show off your personality.Maddie and Kenzie tell all about their closets and what their current style says about them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe ... Show More
19m 44s
Jun 2019
Psychology of Fashion (SOP83)
The clothes we put on everyday tell a story about who we are to the world and can have a major impact on our emotions and mood. Cognitive psychologist Carolyn Mair, PhD, who created the psychology of fashion department at the London College of Fashion at the University of the Art ... Show More
35m 13s
Aug 2021
Inclusive, Purpose-Driven - the Future of Fashion According to Kenyan Designer Anyango Mpinga
<p>Everyone's talking about climate action and social change - but Fashion is still carrying on like it's 1999. The velvet rope! Exclusivity! Snobbery and barriers to entry that lock many young designers with new ideas, out. <strong>Fashion weeks </strong>alone are massive carbon ... Show More
39m 26s
Sep 2019
Fashion Fix: Sustainable Streetwear with Emmanuel Enemokwu
Can you work in fashion, love the planet and love yourself? Model and activist Charli Howard learns how a new breed of fashion brands are making it cool to be kind to people and planet.Charli meets Emmanuel Enemokwu who runs a streetwear start-up that's taking steps towards susta ... Show More
29m 26s