Since I can remember, clothing has always been one of the hardest things I associate with my condition, and something which in my teen years especially, was a pinpoint to my insecurities. Being 22 years old, in a body built for a 6-year-old, it's fair to say I am past the days of flashing trainers and pink tights.
But to find something out of that range without going down the root of tailor-made items, which I think my student bank account would be mortified at- is well.... hard. As is the feeling that you're missing out. Girlie shopping days don't have the same feeling when you know you can't just pick something off a shelf.
My condition is Achondroplasia- the most common form of Dwarfism. Achondroplasia affects bone growth- particularly in limbs. Meaning we have short arms and legs (particularly short upper arms and thighs), that being said, my torso is as near to average, so t-shirts, hoodies etc... whilst often looking very oversized, can sometimes be gotten away with... that is if they don't have sleeves.
Sleeves are a no go.
It's for this reason that my wardrobe has probably looked the same since my late teens, when I do find something that fits, like.... properly fits. I wear where the death out of it before even considering replacing, because frankly those moments are too limited to see pass by without getting full use. I have definitely adopted a 'whatever fits' style, meaning most of the clothes I wear because I can, not solely because I want to.
It is this exact reason why I was so excited to hear about a new project- delivered by Chamiah Dewey, which is looking to bring a new brand to the markets- sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive to cater to those with restricted growth.
INTRODUCING CHAMIAH;
"Hello! My name is Chamiah Dewey, I am a 22-year-old student and entrepreneur living in London. I
study Fashion Design and Development at London College of Fashion; currently studying on the
Enterprise Diploma in Professional Studies as my placement year. The aim of the placement is to
facilitate the acceleration of an idea into a resilient proposition, culminating an MVP (minimum
viable product) to take to the market in the summer of 2021.
Chamiah Dewey, the brand, will be a sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive womenswear brand that
aims to make dressing more enjoyable for women with disability and dwarfism/restricted growth:
These will be specialist collections, developed with an extensive background of research, designed
specifically for the different bodies and abilities, with their wants and needs in mind. The collections
will be seasonal: Autumn/winter and spring/summer, they will consist of fashion staples and classics,
loosely influenced by British trends and the community themselves. We are also curating a
community of women on social media to uplift, empower and talk openly about fashion, its
challenges, and triumphs."
BUT WE NEED YOU!
Currently, Chamiah Dewey is asking women with achondroplasia to complete our measurement
audit: a series of 23 measurements that will aid us in developing an inclusive LP-size chart to ensure
our garments fit like a glove, not just in length but to the contours of the body.
The measurements will also be used in the creation of the world's 1st bespoke little female, tailor’s mannequin, used for creating beautiful garments that can be cherished forever; it will be based on an average ‘size’ and adorned with padding for larger figures. Without these measurements, the development of garments and an accurate size chart will take much longer and many alterations – it will also mean that a bespoke mannequin isn’t possible, again, meaning that the development of accurate clothing will take much longer.
We are aiming to gather at least 100 measurements to base this off, so far, we have 7.
As an incentive, Chamiah DEWEY is offering everyone who sends in their measurements will be added to a giveaway raffle to win a piece of the collection in their size (Summer 2021).
SO WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?
All measurements required and details go get involved can be found on the link below;
As a little person, the thought of fashion being made accessible and no different for me than my average high friends and family is something that used to be something only imaginable,
we now have the opportunity to bring it to life.
This is amazing! I have a cross between Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia and Pseudoachondroplasia. I would love to submit my measurements, but before I do, can you let me know if you'd even want them? I am taller than those with achon
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