Include 2022: DCA Designer joins panel discussing Inclusive Fashion
Published on: 18th October 2022
DCA’s Miles Kilburn was invited to speak during the session Fashion-able: Body Signalling Beyond Appearance joining a diverse panel of designers to discuss the topic of inclusive design within the fashion industry.
The discussion formed a part of Include 2022; a global conference focusing on inclusive design and people centred, creative approaches, hosted by the RCA and Helen Hamlyn Centre for design. Miles joined nine other creatives in conversation to discuss how the Fashion Industry can become more inclusive. The session covered a broad range of topics, such as:
Past and present perspectives on inclusive fashion
The economic case for inclusive design
What designers are doing today to make clothing which is more inclusive
Miles presented his award winning design: Breathe; a chest binder that uses smart technology to change its shape and size at the press of a button. The design enables the wearer to adjust the fit and tightness of the binder without having to find a private space, making the practice safer and more dignified.
Miles took a non-fashion approach to this project, instead guided by industrial design principles, which played an important role in connecting with Transgender and Non-binary communities, building a holistic understanding of their needs.
The project highlights that there is an opportunity for designers outside the fashion industry to engage with this emerging space. A multi-disciplinary approach to inclusive design could enable for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and a deeper connection with the communities affected by non-inclusive fashion.
If you want to listen to the whole session, tickets are still available to buy on the RCA website to get access to all of the content from Include 2022.
If you would like to learn more about DCA’s thoughts on inclusive design, please get in touch.
