HALIFAX – Inspired by his mother who has dementia, NSCAD University professor Gary Markle set out to create clothing with her special needs in mind. The first garment they designed together was a housecoat that Markle’s mother could put on easily by herself.
“She really is my inspiration,” said Markle.
That first item of clothing sparked an idea for a whole line. The result: Worn Well, a line of adaptive clothing for seniors and those with mobility issues.
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Through Markle’s research, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, he discovered seniors not only care about fashion but also comfort and mobility.
“What we came up with were the ideas of how clothing allows people to stay ‘in place’, they call it — in their homes longer. So things that allow to dress themselves with ease, without stress, without harming themselves,” said Markle.
Some of the features on the garments include larger fasteners, bigger armholes and looser fits.
Markle says although none of the ten items designed are for sale yet, he and his partners hope to turn their efforts into a business.
Local seniors will show off the results in the first ever Worn Well fashion show October 6th in Lunenburg.
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