Organized two months before the start of the Paris Paralympic Games, this third edition focuses on adaptive wear, clothing tailored to the needs of people with disabilities. English designer Hanan Tantush received the Grand Prix Inclusive Design for her commitment to building a more inclusive fashion industry and for her “Intotum” collection designed for wheelchair users. A special mention was given to French designer Bénédicte de Torquat for her work on inclusivity.
A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Hanan Tantush founded her label Intotum in September 2021, addressing the specific needs of people with motor disabilities, such as sensory sensitivity and reduced mobility. Determined to design a wardrobe that promotes independence and autonomy, she was inspired by her grandfather’s experience, who struggled to find suitable clothing after cancer, accommodating a stoma and urostomy pouch.
To create her collections, she collaborates with associations and caregivers to select appropriate materials (notably jersey and fleece), which offer softness, comfort, and practicality (water-resistant, easy to wash, etc.). “I believe adaptive wear is part of the future of fashion, and this project is the culmination of years of development and working with this community to meet their needs and desires,” smiles the 22-year-old winner, who received a €10,000 grant and will benefit from support offered by APF Entreprises and its partners.
Fighting against the social distancing of vulnerable people and discrimination, French entrepreneur Bénédicte de Torquat (former retail manager at Chloé and Givenchy) received a special mention for inclusive design for her “aequidem” collection of practical, aesthetic, and responsible clothing designed to help frequently hospitalized adolescents and young adults maintain their self-confidence during medical treatment.
This 2024 edition, focused on adaptive wear, saw strong participation with 34 entries from participants from about ten countries. The goal of this international competition, initiated by Paris Good Fashion – a champion of more virtuous fashion since 2019 – is to highlight disability, “which remains too invisible in our societies,” and thus reward creators presenting innovative, relevant, and practical proposals aimed at improving the daily lives and “well-being of people with disabilities, whether through functional utility or aesthetic consideration,” as noted by Floriane de Saint Pierre, founder of Eyes on Talents.
Combining Sustainable Fashion and Social Dimension
“The discussion around sustainable development too often eclipses the social dimension. We forget about inclusion close to us. Since our creation, we have placed this issue at the center of our reflections for a more inclusive and humane world,” recalls Isabelle Lefort, co-founder of the Paris Good Fashion organization.
To highlight emerging talents in inclusive design, the award ceremony is also accompanied by an exhibition showcasing the projects of the two 2024 laureates, some creations of the 2024 Grand Prix candidates, the works of the 2022 laureate Louise Linderoth, and the projects of the IFM Master of Creation students. Furthermore, starting in 2024, the Parisian fashion school will offer specific training in inclusive design, led by Andrée-Anne Lemieux, IFM’s Director of Sustainable Development, in partnership with Paris Good Fashion.
For more information – Fashion Network