MADE TO MODEL
Throughout my time at WashU I've participated in Made to Model, a club focused on creating custom adaptive garments for local students with disabilities.
Club
Made to Model
Year
2023/2024
MAXWELL
Last year as Co-President, I partnered with two fellow BFAs to create a custom set for Maxwell. We met with Maxwell several times to discuss his various needs, take measurements, brainstorm design ideas, and photograph the final look. He struggled to find clothing, specifically pants, that fit his measurements properly and wanted garments that would keep him warm and would not irritate his skin. We took this into account when selecting fabrics, patterning, and finishing the edges on the garments. All of the seams were topstitched to prevent rubbing or hand-finished with seam tape on the inside. His mom also mentioned that he often chews on his sleeves and hoodie strings, so we built in a sensory chewable that coordinated with the theme.
KATHRYN
My sophomore year, I designed a dress for Kathryn, a high school student with Williams Syndrome. For her dress, it was most important that there were no itchy fabrics or finishes, several layers to keep her warm, and easy ways to get it on and off. We met several times to take measurements, select fabrics from swatches I chose, fit the muslin, and for final photographs. Ultimately, I chose to fully line the dress in a silky smooth fabric, and insert a hidden elastic casing at the waistband with buttons on the shoulder seams to allow her to dress and undress over her head easier. All design details were selected with her preferences in mind, down to the butterfly buttons and purple lace fabric.
BEHIND THE SCENES
