Founder of inclusive clothing brand shortlisted for prestigious award
Manchester company Kintsugi Clothing is celebrating this week as its founder, 31-year-old Emma McClelland, is announced as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEAs).
McClelland is one of 93 finalists from the North West region and is up against seven other competitors in the ‘Entrepreneur for Good’ category.
Kintsugi describes itself as an inclusive clothing brand that is driven by diversity and representation of marginalised groups. Its apparel is designed using suggestions from across the disabled community to ensure each piece is not only fashionable but functional for those with physical impairments and chronic conditions.
Tops feature concealed magnetic closures to aid those with dexterity challenges, while zips run part way down the side seams of its jeans and trousers, to provide women with ostomy bags easier access to them. Kintsugi also recently launched a line of t-shirts featuring designs depicting rockabilly style pin-up girls with disabilities. Think Rosie the Riveter with a prosthetic arm!
McClelland commented: “Being a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is great news, not just for me, but for diversity in fashion and beyond.
“Kintsugi’s purpose is to create clothing that a diverse range of body types can wear. When you don’t have a physical impairment, you don’t always think about the difficulties of certain fastenings or the ways people need to accommodate medical devices. That’s why we believe in universal design; creating clothing that can be worn no matter a person’s age, size or ability.”
To find out more, visit https://www.kintsugiclothing.com