Fashion is finally becoming adaptable. But at what price?
In the last two years, Nike launched their first non-handed, accessible shoe for the disabled community: the Nike Go FlyEase. Simply slip your foot in and off you go. An innovative piece of kit, it certainly is. The shoe is even modelled online by limb-different representatives.
They have gone the right way about it in the marketing, the colour schemes, and the advertisement; the leading brand has ticked - pardon the pun - all the boxes.
However, at what point does the clothing become just that; ticking a box?
Primarily, the issue comes down to cost. This lightweight shoe will set you back approximately £112/$137. In today’s economy, that’s a lot to pay for a shoe by anyone’s measure. More so, it hits the pockets of disabled people far harder.
There’ll be a lot of customers out there who are limb-different and are also unable to tie their shoes. The difference being for a good percentage is that many of those may be unable to work and don’t have the disposable income available to drop hard, much-needed income of over £100 on shoes that could prove to be a massive utility in their everyday lives.
There are parents out there already covering almighty costs monthly and yearly for their children who have several disabilities that, at long last, may find some solace in a fashionable and accessible shoe like this. Kids can finally rock up at school wearing the trendiest shoes and feeling like one of the coolest cats in the playground.
PRICING OUT CONSUMERS: £145 Hilfiger Utility Jacket
Much of the same can be said for Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive range. While their accessories and choices are much wider than Nike’s, with magnetic buttons on jackets and coats to help fasten quicker, shorts with one string that adjusts the waist, they are fantastic for the limb-different community.
But again, it comes back to the issue of cost. If brands like Nike and Hilfiger can make plenty of normal footwear and garments under £100, why should this community be exploited and expect to pay triple figures?
The utility jacket is upwards of £145. The shorts are as high as £65 and magnetic casual button shirts are up to £75. Yes, Hilfiger can be viewed as a luxury brand, but if you’re going to assist a community with change, the products should be as affordable as they are effective.
This instance always reminds me of the woman who spoke to Shaquille O’Neal at a Reebok shoe campaign. The mother yells to him, “Why can’t you make affordable shoes? My son wants these and I have no money for them.” The shoes were over $200. Shaq agreed.
Within an hour he cut deals with Reebok and told them to keep the money. His agent was aghast. O’Neal then launched his ‘Shaq’ basketball shoes – at affordable costs such as £23-£30. It can be done, especially in the climate we all live in currently.
All we ask is that burdens are eased for our limb-different community. We are people. We are not to be used to boost the stock of conglomerate companies who care not so much about the people as they are about making a quick buck.
*Prices accurate at time of writing*