💌 From Rut’s Studio

Yesterday, We Started the Fashion Accelerator – What’s Next?

Yesterday we began the English‑language version of the Fashion Accelerator — a step I’ve been waiting for, one that helps break language barriers in inclusive fashion.

Inclusion isn’t just about design; it’s also about access. Access to ideas, training, community. And that means making what we do reachable in more ways — linguistically, culturally, practically.

So this week, I’m thinking about: how can we broaden who gets to join in? What if the next Accelerator cohort came from places we seldom reach?

Reply back and share: what’s one thing stopping you from accessing inclusive design learning right now?”

🟡 Reply with where you are in the world — I’d love to know what obstacles you see, so we can design better for all of us.

💡 Notice this

The Labels We Ignore — And Why They Matter

🧵 A recent audit I did found that most clothing tags in so-called “inclusive collections” were printed in light grey, tiny fonts, and on shiny satin.
Impossible to read — especially for people with low vision or cognitive processing differences.

Let’s be clear:
Labels aren’t just about branding.
They’re part of the garment’s communication, dignity, and usability.

✅ Use high-contrast fonts like Atkinson Hyperlegible
✅ Ensure legibility for people with visual or cognitive disabilities
✅ Add QR codes that link to videos, audio, or screen-reader-friendly care guides

Policy Watch

That’s why I recently wrote a Policy Recommendation for the upcoming EU revision of textile labelling regulations.
This framework will affect all fashion businesses operating in Europe — and will set new expectations for information access, inclusivity, and digital communication across the industry.

🕒 The Commission has postponed the release by a few months, but I’ll keep you informed as soon as it’s published.

🗓️ Agenda: Upcoming Events in Inclusive Fashion

🌟 European Accessibility Summit 2025

When: 14 October 2025
Where: Brussels & online
What to expect: Latest on the European Accessibility Act, inclusive AI, public procurement, spotlighting women in tech, accessible gaming

More Info

🌟 Disability at Work 2025

When: 24 September 
Where: Online
What to expect: The 6th annual d&i Leaders Disability at Work Online Summit, will again bring together inclusion, culture, talent and HR related professionals, along with employee network members, looking to attract, recruit and retain disabled talent.

Register here

🧵 Innovation corner
What’s shaping the future of inclusive fashion?

🔹 501® Curve: An Icon Reimagined

Levi’s updates their iconic 501 with a contoured fit: higher rise, more room in seat and thighs, and light stretch — all while keeping the straight-leg look.
🟡 Not a “curvy line” — just better design for more bodies.

🔗 More on the story

🔹 Neurodivergent Fashion That Listens

One brand is redefining fashion for neurodivergent users — prioritising sensory comfort, calm aesthetics, and communication-friendly designs.
🟡 Representation starts with real needs.

📎 Read the full article

🔹 Silvert’s Acquires IZ Adaptive

Two leaders in adaptive fashion join forces — signalling growth, consolidation, and more visibility for accessible design.
🟡 Inclusive fashion is scaling up — and becoming mainstream.

📎 Read more

💭 Final Thought

Inclusive fashion is moving — from niche to necessary, from “special” to standard.

This week’s updates show it clearly:
Legacy brands are adapting core styles.
Policymakers are redefining what must be accessible.
And the community is pushing for more than visibility — we want usability, dignity, and beauty.

Let’s keep leading that change — not by waiting for regulations, but by designing ahead of them.

🧶 See you in the next edition, keep creating access in every stitch.
Rut ✨”