Disability is not synonymous with inability. Disabilities come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can necessitate special clothing requirements such as a certain size and fit or alternate closures. However, much of the apparel made for people with disabilities is practical and functional, leaving the style aspect aside. Shiekh’s interest lies in designing and creating concepts that are progressive and unconventional at the same time, subverting the status quo by producing clothing that could support people with or without diverse needs. To put it simply, the designs can be worn by all body types. She employed “subtracting cutting,” which uses the negative space in the fabric unearthing experimental and unexpected discoveries in the pieces. New closures ideas, such as, magnets as buttons, large snaps, chunky zipper details were kept in mind, in order to imbed accessibility for diverse bodies into the garments.
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Artist Interview
