Fashion's intersection with disability
Abstract
What can fashion and fashion journalism tell us about the actual and possible representations of disability? Unfolding from a dialogue between the co-authors, this chapter takes a Dutch case study as its starting point to map and interpret how creative professionals responsible for communication in an advocacy organisation, as well as journalists and television makers, had great trouble freeing disability from limiting frames of reference. The aim of the chapter is to provide insight and tools for inclusive and reflexive practices of representation. Discourse analysis provides the basis for a multilayered dialogue. Ingrained, standardised routines in media practice are the problem that even the best of intentions cannot break. The Dutch Zonnebloem (Sunflower) organisation pointed to a way forward when they invited feedback and engaged in dialogue on their failed media campaign to find funding to design fashionable clothing for wheelchair users.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Disability Rights and Representation
Fashion and Cultural Textiles
Cultural and Historical Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 42–80
- Publication date
- 13 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter