The history of the fashion industry has been well written as it relates to people who conform to certain physical norms and cultural stereotypes, whereas the inequality in access to the world of fashion has been largely ignored. Despite this lack of coverage, much work has taken place over the centuries to enable people who live with disability to participate in fashionable culture. This book tells that story via perspectives of notable historical figures, events and movements, and continues the discourse with a look at some of the contemporary developments in clothing and fashion. The Intersection of Fashion and Disability takes the long view, from early attempts to conceal 'unsightly' bodies of royalty and nobility via creative innovation through growing contemporary awareness of inclusive fashion and how future work can be driven by technology and cultural acceptance.

A much-needed historical survey of key developments in fashion for people living with disabilities.

About the Author
Kate Annett-Hitchcock is a Professor in the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University, USA. Prior to this, she was on the faculty at East Carolina University, Virginia Tech and the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her research focuses on clothing for health and well-being; fashion entrepreneurship, and historical and cross-cultural inspirations in fashion.

Reviews
Infused in a historical context of adapted clothing designs, lies a recurrent reminder to each of us with disabilities that we deserve continued designs to assure our unadulterated inclusion in society. Kate's decades of dedicated work will enable me, and other Occupational Therapy educators, to proliferate the future of dedicated and skilled therapists to join Kate's efforts to promote a cultural change in the inclusion of all bodies, despite each person's uniqueness. May the memory of my friend Birdie Minor continue to shine through many more women with disabilities as they advocate for disability rights adorned in clothing that allows them to feel whole. -- Paige Moore, Licensed Occupational Therapist and Adjunct Faculty at James Madison University and Mary Baldwin University, USA
Marginalized fashion consumers are finally given voice in Kate Annett-Hitchcock's hugely important book. This is fashion history as well as fashion present, the most timely analysis of fashion and disability that we all need to read. -- Dr Kate Strasdin, Senior Lecturer, Cultural Studies, Fashion and Textiles Institute, Falmouth University, UK
The Intersection of Fashion and Disability provides great historical background, which I feel many of my students need before starting to design. -- Grace Jun, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, University of Georgia, USA
Finally! This is the book that I've been waiting for ... Annett-Hitchcock's prose is itself a pleasure, and the book does a superb job of making accessible a fashion history for those new to the field, alongside original (and I must say fabulous) research and insights. By moving between case studies, historical narrative, and a dedicated analytic timeline, it moderates between history, aesthetics, economics, and sociology. -- Jessica Burstein, Associate Professor of English, University of Washington, USA
An essential text that illuminates an untold history, while crafting a blueprint for Disabled people to be creators, consumers and a collective within the fashion system. * Sinead Burke, CEO & Founder, Tilting the Lens *



Book Information
ISBN 9781350143111
Author Kate Annett-Hitchcock
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC