When Iowa State University students saw their creations showcased on a New York runway, it wasn’t just a fashion statement — it was a celebration of inclusivity. Their designs focused on comfort, individuality, and accessibility for children with disabilities.
From Classroom to Runway
Students from the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management department collaborated to design adaptive garments for kids with brain-related disabilities. Each piece was customized to meet the child’s medical and personal needs. The final outfits were presented during the “iCAN Do Anything” Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week, a platform that highlights creativity and inclusivity in design.
Learning Through Purpose
The project began when the International Institute for the Brain (iBRAIN) invited Associate Professor Rachel Eike to collaborate. Students used this opportunity to combine technology and empathy in fashion. They researched adaptive clothing, interviewed professionals, and explored ways to make garments functional without compromising on style.
Designing for Real Needs
Each student worked with a specific child and their caregivers to understand individual challenges and preferences. Manu Smriti designed a flannel shirt, yellow T-shirt, and jeans for 14-year-old Raffy Paulino, known as “Rockstar.” The clothes included magnetic closures instead of zippers, breathable materials, and custom Nintendo-inspired laser engravings. These details ensured both practicality and personality, allowing the wearer to feel stylish and confident.
Style Meets Function
Smriti avoided textures that could irritate the skin and created removable patches with words like “music mode” and “game mode.” This gave Rockstar the freedom to express himself while staying comfortable. The focus was on making fashion adaptive yet expressive — an extension of identity rather than a limitation.
A Princess Dress with a Purpose
Student Adeline Heilman designed an adaptive denim dress for 10-year-old Cielo Cando, who uses a wheelchair and feeding tube. Heilman modified the dress with magnetic side seams for easy access, a detachable tulle skirt, and matching accessories. The joyful reaction of her young client reinforced the importance of accessible fashion that combines beauty and practicality.
Innovation Behind the Scenes
Students used cutting-edge equipment at ISU’s Student Innovation Center, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital embroidery machines. These tools allowed them to experiment with materials and create garments that merge design with function.
Inspiring Future Designers
The project not only equipped students with new technical skills but also gave them a deeper understanding of inclusive fashion. By creating adaptable clothing, they redefined what it means for fashion to serve everyone — proving that design can be both innovative and compassionate.
