WheelieChix -Chic

Functional, effective, comfortable and practical. All words commonly used to describe clothing that has been designed specifically for wheelchair users. What about FASHIONABLE?

Online searches will offer an endless choice of the former but finding anything trendy is near impossible. One woman helping to change that is Louisa Summerfield. She is the creator and Managing Director ofwheelieChix-chic.com, a fashion label dedicated to giving women the option of style combined with the practical needs of a wheelchair user. Newsline had the chance to ask Louisa some questions and find out more about WheelieChix-Chic.

What motivated you to start a fashion range designed specifically for wheelchair users?

I did see a huge gap in the market as there seemed to be a lot of “functional” clothing available that was so hideous even my grandmother wouldn't have worn it. I wanted functionality and fashion combined, I wanted to add some style and sexiness to what we wear, my motto has always been – everybody stares at you when you’re in a wheelchair so give them something good to stare at.

I know wheelchair users can get frustrated choosing between fashionable clothes that do not fit properly or choosing to have no style and no personality. Do you find it strange that more designers have not recognised a gap in the market?

I don’t think it’s strange I’ve been in this business now for 10 years albeit on and off and I’ve realised that it is a very complicated process as there are so many disabilities and you can’t cater for all, what people can do is just shop around for styles they know works for them. It is a niche market so for mainstream designers there’s no profit in it.

What design features do you incorporate to make your product more suitable for wheelchair users?

There are many disabilities and in one outfit you will never please all of us, so from the start I decided my products would only be for a regular “normal” body size and shape, so we don’t cater for very small people or amputees. The most important feature was that our clothing is for those sitting down.

As a wheelchair user myself I was aware of how important upper body detail is, when you are talking to someone it is your face, bust, body and arms people will focus on, so therefore I’ve incorporated interested necklines, I have sleeves that are interesting and yet at the same time are either 3/4 length so wheeling is easier and cuffs don’t get muddy or ruined in the wheels. We have skirts and trousers higher at the back and slightly lower at the front, for some fastenings we have magnets and poppers instead of tricky buttons. Wider necklines or deep zips.

Fabric is also very important, those that have lost sensation in their lower limbs enjoy the sensual feel of silk or soft fabrics, some people like a fabric with stretch in it.

In the 10 years since you launched WheelieChixChic what changes, if any, have you noticed in the industry towards clothing for wheelchair users?

We launched in 2007 during London Fashion Week with many journalists from around the world. It was an exciting time but it was extremely costly, as the British Fashion Council didn’t want to know, so I had to finance it all myself. It was a constant battle facing rejection from the BFC, like they’d never heard of disabled people and the word “fashion” going together. Since then I have seen disabled models on the catwalk in all the major fashion cities which is great, but I feel it’s a token effort and the clothing is still the same. There are disabled models BUT they are wearing regular clothing in mainstream fashion, they just offer the novelty value on a catwalk.

There has been some press coverage recently highlighting the use of wheelchair users as models in mainstream fashion. Do you see a place for models with disabilities on the catwalk?

Yes, I do and I’m pleased this is happening as it’s about time. I do think they’re often thrown is as the novelty value, but if that one disabled model makes people sit up and think for a minute, then it can’t be a bad thing.

Do you have any tips for how wheelchair users can make the best choices in terms of style when buying from mainstream fashion?

Firstly look at my website, but yes I do have lots of tips and most of them are very straightforward. One: know your body shape. Secondly: always think about upper body detail, look for wide openings on tops and dresses or deep zips; think about your sleeves, short sleeves are great but in colder months look for 3/4 length or sleeves you can turn up. Finally: don’t be scared by pattern and colour. Wearing the right outfit gives you an air of confidence, you need to feel like a woman be sensual, sexy, sassy, feminine and elegant. Don’t ever let your wheelchair be the star, you need to be the one that shines.

What is your vision for the future of WheelieChix-Chic?

I’m always on the hunt for good designs, our collections will be small, but on trend and to the point. I’d like to expand by adding well-chosen accessories and maybe even include style and make-up advice. With sponsorship, I’d love to do a big charity fashion show with invitations to designers who can handle the challenge.

Many thanks to Louisa for giving her time to Newsline and for continuing to offer a fashionable choice for female wheelchair users. Don't forget to check out the complete range at www.wheelieChix-chic.com where members of Spinal Injuries Scotland can enjoy an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF all items using the code SIS2017 at checkout.