A few years ago, Jefferson implemented a fashion design class to teach students about designing for people whom the fashion industry has traditionally overlooked, such as individuals with physical disabilities, skin sensitivity and autism. This year marked the first time the students were paired with actual clients—several with Jefferson connections.
“This required course for seniors, ‘Diversity in Design,’ helps foster an industry of inclusion where fashion is accessible to all, regardless of ability or disability,” says Carly Kusy, fashion design program director. “By working with real clients, students practice a human-centered approach to design, addressing disparities in the fashion marketplace head-on.”
Plus, the course prepares students for careers after graduation, where the adaptive wear market continues to grow, she says.
Over three sessions in December, students presented their final looks to fashion faculty and six clients, having worked closely with them throughout the fall semester. Among them were Eliza McGann, an active 2-year-old with Down syndrome and limb difference; Amelia Bryson, a neurodiverse 10-year-old; and Dr. Amanda Parezo, a Jefferson occupational therapy professor who was shot and paralyzed from the waist down since being struck by a stray bullet in 2021.
Fashion students and clients attended a Feb. 19 reception in Hayward Hall to showcase all their work and highlight the strong community connection forged during the course.
Jefferson Fashion Course Fosters Inclusion and Human-Centered Approach to Design
Students develop adaptive fashion for clients with disabilities.
With her mom, Lisa, watching on, 2-year-old Eliza McGann tries on a student-made shirt with an adjustable sleeve. (Photos by ©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
Jefferson faculty and fashion design students pose with 10-year-old Amelia Bryson after she tried on the customized looks.
“Corporate mass market fashion doesn’t always include people like Eliza,” says her dad, Dr. Sean McGann, a Jefferson clinical associate professor. “To know these fashion students get this education and experience—making clothes for people who might look a little bit different—is awesome. Working at Jefferson and this being a Jefferson project make it really meaningful to be here.”
“I’m wildly impressed with the work the students did,” added Eliza’s mom, Lisa.
Some of Eliza’s new looks included a playful coat with magnetic closures and an adjustable sleeve. Fashion student Ella Cascone partnered with Eliza and her parents over the fall semester to brainstorm, design, and refine an adjustable dress.
“The fashion industry can feel materialistic sometimes, but to interact with a client who struggles in this area and provide a product they couldn’t get elsewhere felt amazing to be a part of,” Cascone says.
Occupational Therapy Professor Dr. Amanda Parezo worked closely with the fashion design students throughout the process.
Noting research alone would only take her so far, fashion student Miabella Courtney says she gained valuable insights working directly with Amelia. Together, they developed a fidget sensory hoodie that includes a hidden stress ball in the kangaroo pocket. Both the pocket and hood feature a silky textured fabric for sensory needs.
Amelia’s dad, Tito, says they sometimes have trouble finding clothes that make her feel comfortable. The Jefferson project allowed her to bring her dream designs to fruition. “It’s really cool to see her excitement and the designers’ excitement,” he says.
Dr. Parezo felt encouraged by every step of the design process, especially the collaboration and creativity.
“I told them how occupational therapy can be part of fashion,” she says. “They took that and listened to the stuff I like, and what I do every day and in my spare time. For example, one student designed a rain-resistant cover for pants that looks better than a big poncho. They made me feel comfortable and like my old self.”
Jefferson honored the fashion students and clients at a Feb. 19 reception in Hayward Hall. “By working with real clients, students practice a human-centered approach to design, addressing disparities in the fashion marketplace head-on,” says Carly Kusy, fashion design program director.
For Dr. Parezo, fashion student Omar Gómez designed a cropped puffer jacket with a tailored seated fit, extended back coverage that avoids catching on her wheelchair, and lightweight insulation for warmth without underarm bulk.
“I learned to be inclusive, and to take the step toward representation, you must have conversations with people from those communities,” Gómez says. “Before meeting Amanda, I had an idea of what direction I was taking for the class. However, by talking with her and understanding what she needed day to day, I went back to the drawing board. This project opened my eyes to a different side of the industry and to overlooked communities. It makes me inspired to continue my design journey.”
The clients found their way to the Diversity in Design course via various University connections, including Jefferson’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, helmed by Dr. Wendy Ross. She notes that this is an essential collaborative effort not only for clients but also for underserved populations.
“Clothing covers us. Fashion represents us,” Dr. Ross says. “Everyone deserves an outfit that makes them comfortable in the world.”
Learn more about this fashion course on WHYY and 6ABC.
Fashion design student Omar Gómez designed a cropped puffer jacket for client Dr. Amanda Parezo.