INCLUSIVE INNOVATION AT GROUND ZERO
magnetic zips, allowing more freedom of styling, like creating the slit effect on any sleeve. One can simply lay down on the fully open, flat blazer and then zip it up whichever way is convenient. Comfortable? Yes! Sophisticated? Absolutely. Will it go out of style? Never. Ruzive made sure of that. Her ‘Enclusyv’ Collection showcases wrap-over skirts, detachable blazers, trousers. GIVING WINGS TO MANY DREAMS Ruzive recollects the first time Von Ruz made the news on television in London. It resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from people. She received messages such as “I am pleased to see that someone is finally considering people
Von Ruz does not follow short-lived fashion trends; the brand’s core value aligns with evergreen designs. The logic behind it is simple and sustainable—create timeless designs with no expiration dates. This results in sophisticated, relevant, and fun clothing, regardless of fashion trends. Furthermore, Von wanted to celebrate the uniqueness of each human and address the truth that no garment can fit every single person’s needs. She incorporated the made-to-order model instead of the mass-production model. This allowed her to customize the clothing to fit each customer’s unique needs, eliminating the need to alter clothes after buying them. For example, if someone with an amputated arm orders a blazer, they can request that it not have the full sleeve length. Taking inclusivity up a notch is the augmented reality technology at Von Ruz. Von
like me.” It motivated her immensely, validating that she was moving in the right direction. Ruzive reflected, “While business, in general, can be tough, I still hold on to those kinds of moments to keep on the right path.” Now that Von Ruz has figured out the ins and outs of womenswear, the brand is excited to introduce its inclusive menswear collection. In the future, Von strives to design more inclusive garments for as many different abilities as possible. EXCLUSIVITY IS GOING OUT OF FASHION Von Ruzive believes that “the [fashion] industry needs to move away from,
recognized that cutting- edge innovation could enhance user experience on the brand website. The augmented reality feature is accessible on the Von Ruz website under ‘#Enclusyv 3D.’ The experience of seeing all details of the clothing up close, from all sides, is truly fascinating. She shares, “I believe that the more tactile the garments can get online, the more people can understand the full purpose of each design feature. It is why the augmented reality feature is perfect for a more interactive and immersive
“Why not make something that everyone can wear that ticks the boxes of being both functional and aesthetically pleasing?”
look into the garments. Overall, people like the feature, which is why I am driven to consider the different ways I can apply the technologies in the future.” HACKING TRADITIONAL FASHION Traditions, rules, fashion, and everything else—if they don’t evolve with time, they become obsolete. Attempting to evolve clothing, Von hacked her way into inclusive fashion. Remember the little struggle dance our arms do while trying to find the blazer’s armhole? Now imagine a person with lower mobility trying to wear that blazer or someone needing a caregiver to put it on for them. Taking this issue at hand, Von deconstructed the traditional blazer and laid it flat. Instead of sewing it up, she attached the pieces using zips. She opened it up from the neckline to the hem of the sleeve, between the collars and the lapel. This became her revolutionary ‘Fully Detachable Blazer.’ One version has only double-sided zips, which can be zipped from the top to the bottom or vice versa. The other one comes with
‘Oh, we will just add some disabled models here and call it a day.’ It’s about rethinking the full scope of what is possible with inclusivity.” More in-depth studies need to be conducted across disabilities and the neurodivergent spectrum. There is a need for more representation in fashion shows. More involvement of the community in R&D is needed. All this and more to fully understand the scope of fashion inclusivity. Inclusive fashion design should ultimately become the standard definition of fashion design. This means an accessible, affordable, aesthetic, and comfortable garment for every single person. Von Ruz is championing this front. The brand is optimistic about the growing inclusive conversations in the industry and eager to see how it transforms in the future.
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