ASOS has gained a reputation for inclusivity over the years. From refusing to airbrush models' stretch marks and showing how clothes look on different body types, to using a more diverse range of models than most brands, it has led the way – and now the brand has made its fashion even more accessible.
The online retailer has launched a tie-dye waterproof jumpsuit with wheelchair users in mind, ahead of festival season. It enlisted the help of BBC reporter and GB Paralympic hopeful Chloe Ball-Hopkins, 21, who is also shown modelling the jumpsuit on the site.
So over the last several months I have been working with @ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one! Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It's about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?! https://t.co/1gzzkRlED9 pic.twitter.com/7yS57QEmpD
— Chloe Ball-Hopkins (@chloe_ballhopzy) July 4, 2018
"So over the last several months I have been working with @ASOS to create a fashionable, yet practical waterproof all in one!" Ball-Hopkins tweeted. "Not just for people like me in a chair but for anyone. It's about making fashion accessible! So what should be next?!"
The project came about after Ball-Hopkins, a BBC Bristol sports reporter who is also training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, emailed ASOS with her suggestion. She had the idea after getting wet at a festival last year, she told the BBC. The jumpsuit is designed with a zip around the waist, making it easy to get in and out of, and a waterproof breast pocket.
"Whether that's to put your phone in, or you've got medication or information you need to have on you in case of emergency, you can have it on you and know that it can stay dry," she said. "It was just literally those little tiny details that make the difference to people like me. We don't want to have to look like we're just doing practicality, we still want to be able to look fashionable."
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among people with disabilities, campaigners and the charities fighting for their rights, suggesting that such a product is long overdue.
This is so awesome @ASOS! Everything I’m fighting for!! #disabledfashion https://t.co/vtkzCJlhU2
— Sophie Bradbury-Cox (@fashionbellee) July 4, 2018
Yes, yes, yes. We do exist. And we buy clothes. Who knew?!! https://t.co/XuOOy3nMvR
— Sarah BF Marl (@SarahBFraser) July 4, 2018
Just ordered from ASOS for the first time! Love that they’re collaborating for accessible fashion! https://t.co/WCAprjwFFf
— Rachel Martens (@RaeofSunshine79) July 4, 2018
This is great to see!! Everyone in fashion take note!! Well done @chloe_ballhopzy @ASOS do you need any male models? Give me a shout 😉😂 https://t.co/mNmbbeNFqb
— Jack Hunter-Spivey (@jackhstt) July 4, 2018
Well done to our amazing @MD_Trailblazers @chloe_ballhopzy for producing this fantastic and inclusive piece of clothing with @ASOS. It's great to see another mainstream retailer recognise the #PurplePound by designing adaptive but inclusive clothing. https://t.co/kCfxLRQ55S
— Trailblazers (@MD_Trailblazers) July 4, 2018
Yes. Yes. Yes! This is so good to see. This is what our young people keep asking for and it is great to see @ASOS leading the way with models who are wheelchair users AND fashion which is accessible! Great job @chloe_ballhopzy https://t.co/jH63getEui
— Whizz-Kidz (@WhizzKidz) July 4, 2018
The disability and lifestyle blogger Shona Louise, 20, wrote a moving post about the importance of the jumpsuit in a world where progress on disability-related issues often feels slow.
NEW: Why That Accessible ASOS Jumpsuit Is So Important | https://t.co/oQuB9OYqFp @ASOS @chloe_ballhopzy #DisabledBloggers
— Shona (@shonalouiseblog) July 4, 2018
Countless others also applauded ASOS for its move towards even greater inclusivity, with many calling on other fashion brands to follow suit by catering to differently abled people.
Fashion brands - please read the comments on Chloe's post. So many unmet needs from women with health & disability issues who just want practical, fashionable clothes. Bravo @chloe_ballhopzy and @ASOS for leading the charge. https://t.co/60ssrl6c6G
— Thea McGovern (@TheaMcgovern) July 5, 2018
AWESOME NEWS!!
— Models Of Diversity (@ModsOfDiversity) July 4, 2018
WELL DONE @ASOS
ASOS release specially designed jumpsuit for people with disabilities https://t.co/6L66FDJSQw pic.twitter.com/gvvngTIdKk
Go on @ASOS ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/pl8fpuksgH
— Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamil) July 4, 2018
Diversity without tokenism. Always using POCs, plus sized models, models with disabilities etc. Well done @ASOS! pic.twitter.com/Cz5pXxHmDz
— Rore Erica Okoh ✨👩🏾💻 (@rorerorerore) July 4, 2018
Great to see this sort of representation on the @ASOS website. Shopping is something most of us take for granted in terms of representation. Seeing disabled people in the media through campaigns, as actors, singers is so important as it challenges the stigma around disabilities. pic.twitter.com/asQAprWFxS
— Gurls Talk (@gurlstalk) July 4, 2018
Which fashion retailer will be next, we wonder?
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
6 Activists Cleverly Smuggled A Banned Pride Flag To The World Cup In Russia
Our Attitudes To Gender Are Changing, But Not When It Comes To Working Mums
Pride Criticised For Allowing Anti-Trans Group To 'Lead' March