The Mannequal™ has been created to bridge one of the many gaps found in our society; the void that exists between disabled customers and the exclusive fashion world. Irritated by the lack of representation of disability on the high street I decided to create a product that would call an end to disability discrimination. The Mannequal™ evolved and is the first display product of its kind - a wheelchair for a mannequin. While it is essentially a display chair, the message of inclusivity that this will give to all customers cannot be underestimated. In the UK there are 1.94 million people, aged between 16 and 30, who have a disability and worldwide 600 million people. The symbol that has come to reflect this category of person, regardless of age, colour or nationality, is the universally recognised wheelchair. It has been designed to seat both male and female mannequins of standard height and width measurements and it can be decorated and styled to coordinate aesthetically, unobtrusively and subtly with any in store display or shop window. It is specifically designed to seat a mannequin without obstructing the view of the clothing. The mannequin can be styled in the same manner that would be used to style any other seated mannequin.
Not only is the Mannequal™ a reflection of correct moral and ethical conduct, more importantly it is also helps to include and empower disabled shoppers. It can act as an in-store guide to fashion that is suited to a seated customer. It also communicates with the able-bodied shopper who can refer to the seated mannequin for inspiration.
As well as offering equality to all customers, the Mannequal™ is also a valuable asset to the retailer. It exists as a reflection of a commitment to ensure that responsibilities have been met under the Disability Discrimination Act, and that goods and services are accessible, and clearly suggests an attitude of acceptance, and therefore reinforces the shops offer of assistance and guidance for any customer, disabled or not. Not only is the Mannequal™ a reflection of correct moral and ethical conduct, more importantly it is also helps to include and empower disabled shoppers.
Please visit the Mannequal™ website for more information.
The Mannequal™ is also joining forces with Canadian Designer Izzy Camilleri’s ground breaking clothing label, ‘IZ’. This unique label, which I am proud to be spokesperson for, is the first adaptive clothing collection designed specifically for people who are seated. The transformed cuts of the collection have been created for the sitting position of a disabled person, which not only follows the line of the body, but also eliminates fabric bulk from front, sides and back. The designs were created with both function and fashion in mind.
Please visit http://www.izadaptive.com .
