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


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About Kintsugi Clothing

Kintsugi is an inclusive clothing brand, named after the Japanese art form of mending broken pottery with gold (rendering it more unique and more valuable; not less). Since February 2019, Kintsugi has been creating useful, accessible clothing, designed with disabled women in mind. Fastenings are made easier, utility is added and consideration is given to how each garment will work in the seated position (i.e. in a wheelchair). Kintsugi's clothing looks no different aesthetically to any other piece of on-trend apparel, so can be worn by anybody, whether they are disabled or not. The brand stocks its clothing in sizes 8 - 20 and is planning to expand this range. Diversity and inclusion are integral to what Kintsugi does, and challenging perceptions around disability and size is a key driver. The company was founded by Emma McClelland, a former features writer and editor.


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