Para-athlete, BBC reporter, and, now, fashion model Chloe Ball-Hopkins says she’s just getting started with “accessible” fashion, having recently inspired the new Asos jumpsuit worn by the first wheelchair-using model on the retailer’s website.
Perfect for summer, the jumpsuit was inspired by an unfortunate trip to a music festival that left Ball-Hopkins wet and frustrated. With her outfit ruined by the rain, she had to resort to wrapping herself in a plastic sheet.
“Over the following week, I decided something needed to be done,” she told Today Style, “and that’s when I came up with the idea for the all-in-one and the features it has.” In order to be accessible to both wheelchair users and non-wheelchairs users, the waterproof jumpsuit features adjustable cuffs and hood and an optional zipper connecting the jacket to the pants.
“I think the zip around the waist is my favorite feature,” Ball-Hopkins said, “because, not only does it make it easier to get on and off, but it also means you could wear the jacket and bottoms separately.”
The retailer has received overwhelming positive feedback on their changes towards inclusion, with this latest instalment going viral on Twitter. “The response we’ve had from this has blown me away,” Ball-Hopkins said on BBC.
The prospect of more pieces available for the disabled and able-bodied alike is an exciting move toward a greater awareness of disability in our everyday lives and a more compassionate society.
You can watch more of Chloe Ball-Hopkin’s segment on BBC below.
'I said this needs to change … so I sent out a few emails and @ASOS agreed to work with me.'
— Victoria Derbyshire (@VictoriaLIVE) July 5, 2018
GB Paralympic hopeful, Chloe Ball-Hopkins, on becoming the first #wheelchair user to model on the #fashion and beauty retailer's website.#Disability@DisRightsUKpic.twitter.com/2OfZdRxYd7
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