Fashion is so much more than fabric and thread; It’s the ultimate expression of oneself. What you wear is who you are – and we believe everyone deserves access to clothing that represents their personal style.
Within the current world of adaptive fashion, however, this access isn't always granted. The disabled community has long been constrained by a lack of representation, limited clothing options, and a general misunderstanding of what it means to live with a disability. As a result, it is remarkably difficult to find adaptive wear that is not only functional but is also cool, sexy, and stylish.
Here to help change that narrative: content creators, models, and disability advocates – April Lockhart, Bri Scalesse, Allison Lang, and Maya Moore.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE:
Adaptive Fashion for All
A conversation about the intersection of fashion, disability, and universality.
“Every body deserves to be celebrated, and adaptive clothing is an important step to that representation,” said Allison, who hopes to dismantle the negative stigma associated with disability. She works to erase the perception that they can’t do things like go to the gym, go out on a date, or live a full life, let alone dress in a “fashion-forward” way.
“People think they can’t be sexy or cool anymore when they become disabled because they haven’t seen that represented anywhere, and that’s not true,” said Bri. “We need to offer more options so they feel like, ‘I can still be me.’”
“Designing for every specific disability shouldn’t be a barrier. A lot of features that help us as disabled people also make the lives of people who don’t have disabilities easier,” said Maya. “Good design benefits everybody."
As part of our mission to be an inclusive place for all who love fashion, we’re excited to welcome eight new pieces into our collection of bestsellers – each one designed with adaptive features for universal wear. Think: magnetic closures, easy-access zippers, and patch pockets.
April, who’s been shopping at Anthropologie since she was a teenager, shared her excitement about these fresh additions. “I think the disabled community really needs these fashion-forward pieces. It brings me so much joy that it gets to be Anthro,” she said.
While modeling our new adaptive wear, these women spoke about their personal journeys to self-expression. Below, they share how our universally designed pieces are helping them tell that story.
“People think they can’t be sexy or cool anymore when they become disabled because they haven’t seen that represented anywhere, and that’s not true,” said Bri. “We need to offer more options so they feel like, ‘I can still be me.’”
“Designing for every specific disability shouldn’t be a barrier. A lot of features that help us as disabled people also make the lives of people who don’t have disabilities easier,” said Maya. “Good design benefits everybody."
As part of our mission to be an inclusive place for all who love fashion, we’re excited to welcome eight new pieces into our collection of bestsellers – each one designed with adaptive features for universal wear. Think: magnetic closures, easy-access zippers, and patch pockets.
April, who’s been shopping at Anthropologie since she was a teenager, shared her excitement about these fresh additions. “I think the disabled community really needs these fashion-forward pieces. It brings me so much joy that it gets to be Anthro,” she said.
While modeling our new adaptive wear, these women spoke about their personal journeys to self-expression. Below, they share how our universally designed pieces are helping them tell that story.
Meet April
@APRILLOCKHART
For Nashville-based content creator and Anthro influencer-partner April Lockhart, fashion is a daily adventure in style, playing a big part in that magic, mystery, and self-discovery. “Every day it’s a new theme,” she said. “It’s like you’re the main character of your own movie.”
What she’s loving right now? The western trend, obviously (“I love trucker hats!”) – as well as boxers, leopard print, and styling pieces in an unexpected way. But expressing herself through fashion hasn’t exactly come easy.
Born with a limb difference, April said she’s struggled to find “fun” adaptive clothes that aren’t monochrome or clinical-looking – which makes participating in trends and finding a true representation of style more difficult than it should be. As a result, April’s closet is mostly filled with non-adaptive pieces that she tailors or styles in accessible ways. “So, I’m excited to share Anthro’s new pieces with our community. I think they’re going to be stoked,” she said.
For a long time, April avoided being part of the disabled community altogether. “I wanted to just be normal, stand on my own, and be looked at the same as my peers,” she said. After launching a TikTok series called ‘Normalizing Disabled Fashun Girlies,’ April began to accept and celebrate the disabled community as her own. "As you share your personal story, it helps people live their own authentic lives. It’s been rewarding beyond belief and so soul-fulfilling."
What she’s loving right now? The western trend, obviously (“I love trucker hats!”) – as well as boxers, leopard print, and styling pieces in an unexpected way. But expressing herself through fashion hasn’t exactly come easy.
Born with a limb difference, April said she’s struggled to find “fun” adaptive clothes that aren’t monochrome or clinical-looking – which makes participating in trends and finding a true representation of style more difficult than it should be. As a result, April’s closet is mostly filled with non-adaptive pieces that she tailors or styles in accessible ways. “So, I’m excited to share Anthro’s new pieces with our community. I think they’re going to be stoked,” she said.
For a long time, April avoided being part of the disabled community altogether. “I wanted to just be normal, stand on my own, and be looked at the same as my peers,” she said. After launching a TikTok series called ‘Normalizing Disabled Fashun Girlies,’ April began to accept and celebrate the disabled community as her own. "As you share your personal story, it helps people live their own authentic lives. It’s been rewarding beyond belief and so soul-fulfilling."
APRIL'S STYLE NOTES:
In her style diary, the denim jacket reigns supreme – a testament to its timeless appeal and versatility. “Denim is a neutral,” April explained. “It looks good with anything.” Enter the Denim Boyfriend Jacket by Pilcro. “It’s a date-night piece, it’s
Another forever fave? Our bestselling Bennet Buttondown, which is now designed with magnetic front-snap closures, tabs at the sleeve cuffs, and higher shirttail slits. "A good oversized button-down is a closet staple," she said. "I’d wear
[for] hanging out with your friends… it never goes out of style.”
Another forever fave? Our bestselling Bennet Buttondown, which is now designed with magnetic front-snap closures, tabs at the sleeve cuffs, and higher shirttail slits. "A good oversized button-down is a closet staple," she said. "I’d wear
[it] over a maxi skirt, or with boxer shorts and sneakers. I love the juxtaposition of something more structured with casual pieces."Meet Bri
@BRISCALESSE
NYC-based model and content creator Bri Scalesse has loved fashion and magazines for as long as she can remember. However, after becoming a paraplegic from a car accident at the age of six, she struggled with the lack of wheelchair users represented in the magazines she loved to read. She just wanted to be seen.
While attending graduate school, the opportunity to model arose and she attended as many castings as possible until it became her full-time career. “I switched from wanting to see a version of myself to wanting disabled people to feel represented as a whole,” she reflected.
Since modeling, Bri says she’s learned to prioritize the way pieces will look on her body while seated as opposed to only seeking what’s trendy. Her advice to other wheelchair-users looking to develop their own authentic style: “Fashion is supposed to be fun, not frustrating or sad, so don’t be afraid to explore and play,” she said. “A world of fashion can really open up to you, and so much can be made accessible when you try different things.”
For Bri, self-advocacy and community advocacy are the two pillars of support within the disabled community. “Self-advocacy is one of the bravest things you can do,” she said. “I feel like every time I’m speaking up, whether that’s on set or in my career in general, I am thinking about the next disabled person who’s coming after me and how it will make their experience better.”
While attending graduate school, the opportunity to model arose and she attended as many castings as possible until it became her full-time career. “I switched from wanting to see a version of myself to wanting disabled people to feel represented as a whole,” she reflected.
Since modeling, Bri says she’s learned to prioritize the way pieces will look on her body while seated as opposed to only seeking what’s trendy. Her advice to other wheelchair-users looking to develop their own authentic style: “Fashion is supposed to be fun, not frustrating or sad, so don’t be afraid to explore and play,” she said. “A world of fashion can really open up to you, and so much can be made accessible when you try different things.”
For Bri, self-advocacy and community advocacy are the two pillars of support within the disabled community. “Self-advocacy is one of the bravest things you can do,” she said. “I feel like every time I’m speaking up, whether that’s on set or in my career in general, I am thinking about the next disabled person who’s coming after me and how it will make their experience better.”
BRI'S STYLE NOTES:
Bri feels most like herself when mixing feminine and masculine pieces. So, it’s fitting she donned a baseball cap and ballet flats to accessorize our fan-favorite Seated Colette Pants and Andie Tee. “As a model, a good basic tee is an essential in my wardrobe. And when you find your perfect fit, confidence comes easy.” For date night, “I’d style the Colette Pants with a form-fitting strapless top, red shoes, and a ton of jewelry.”
Meet Allison
@ALLISONELANG
Allison Lang’s style is an outward expression of her inner self: bubbly, energetic, and full of grit. You’d never guess that the speaker, content creator, and model wasn’t always this way, though. Growing up with a disability – Allison was born with fibular hemimelia – she never felt feminine or badass enough. “I never saw anybody that looked like me, and it really affected my self-esteem,” she said.
During a worldwide lockdown, Allison unlocked a large key to her journey of disability pride. “I ended up taking a knife to my prosthetic leg,” she said. It was a willful moment that posed the question, “Why am I trying to be non-disabled passing, and not embracing my disabled identity?” Ever the go-getter, in August, Allison will be representing Team Canada at the Paralympics for sitting volleyball.
This drive runs deep – it’s a continuous act of showing up for herself. After years of patience and reflection, she’s been able to embrace these qualities, not only through her work, but through her fashion choices. “I like the contrast of things,” Allison said. “If I’m wearing a floral dress, I’m going to throw on a biker jacket.”
During a worldwide lockdown, Allison unlocked a large key to her journey of disability pride. “I ended up taking a knife to my prosthetic leg,” she said. It was a willful moment that posed the question, “Why am I trying to be non-disabled passing, and not embracing my disabled identity?” Ever the go-getter, in August, Allison will be representing Team Canada at the Paralympics for sitting volleyball.
This drive runs deep – it’s a continuous act of showing up for herself. After years of patience and reflection, she’s been able to embrace these qualities, not only through her work, but through her fashion choices. “I like the contrast of things,” Allison said. “If I’m wearing a floral dress, I’m going to throw on a biker jacket.”
ALLISON'S STYLE NOTES:
Between sitting volleyball competitions, modeling gigs, and personal trips, Allison travels far and often. Her go-to airport aesthetic? Comfy but cute. Her favorite piece from Anthropologie is the Colette, “I feel like the Colette offers that
[long inseam] zipper – fashion and accessibility combined,” she said, which she’d pair with “a buttondown striped shirt, baggy sweater over top, and the collar tucked out.” Made with only-at-Anthro Magic Fabric, the Colette has the stretchy fabric that’s needed for long flights while combining the cute look of jeans. Plus, the zipper allows easy access for people with prosthetics. As Allison said, the fabric “moves with my body."Meet Maya
@ONEHANDEDOVERDRESSED
Model and content creator Maya Moore went through a complete style transformation at age 17. After losing her arm during her battle with a rare form of cancer, she “wasn’t prepared for a life with a disabled body and little to no representation.”
Initially, the Connecticut-native feared her style choices would be confined to the limited expanse of adaptive clothing – but her curious spirit and willingness to experiment led to a second coming of age. “It completely made me fall in love with fashion and my own body all over again.”
Maya credits the vibrant disabled community for acting as a guiding light during her style-rediscovery journey. "I've learned so many tips and tricks from other women in the community,” she explained, “whether it's tucking a sleeve or using a bra clip to keep two straps up or folding and tucking certain areas." For Maya, this community serves as a collective wellspring of support that nurtures confidence and encourages individuals to curate a style distinctly their own.
Describing her style today as ‘90s minimalism with lots of vintage touches, Maya is adamant that disabled people should have full access to trends. “I think it’s revolutionary to put disabled people in clothes that are stylish and show them feeling good and looking aspirational in front of people that are not disabled.”
Initially, the Connecticut-native feared her style choices would be confined to the limited expanse of adaptive clothing – but her curious spirit and willingness to experiment led to a second coming of age. “It completely made me fall in love with fashion and my own body all over again.”
Maya credits the vibrant disabled community for acting as a guiding light during her style-rediscovery journey. "I've learned so many tips and tricks from other women in the community,” she explained, “whether it's tucking a sleeve or using a bra clip to keep two straps up or folding and tucking certain areas." For Maya, this community serves as a collective wellspring of support that nurtures confidence and encourages individuals to curate a style distinctly their own.
Describing her style today as ‘90s minimalism with lots of vintage touches, Maya is adamant that disabled people should have full access to trends. “I think it’s revolutionary to put disabled people in clothes that are stylish and show them feeling good and looking aspirational in front of people that are not disabled.”
MAYA'S STYLE NOTES:
In what can only be described as fashion fate, one of Maya’s favorite Anthro pieces is the Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress. “I’d style it with either a long trench, an oversized blazer, or a jean jacket to play off of the form-fittingness,” she described for a daytime look. For nighttime, a pair of mules or heels are the go-to. “I think it looks incredibly chic and sexy, and there’s nothing like a good-fitting black dress. I think everybody needs one.”
As we look forward, Anthropologie remains committed to championing a space where every individual can express their unique style and find confidence in what they wear, merging one-of-a-kind style with accessible features.
“Disabled people love fashion, too,” said Maya. “We’re fashionable and we’re stylish, and we would love for fashion to love us back. Thank you, Anthropologie, for loving us back.”
“Disabled people love fashion, too,” said Maya. “We’re fashionable and we’re stylish, and we would love for fashion to love us back. Thank you, Anthropologie, for loving us back.”