This semester, students at Columbia College Chicago took a bold step toward shaping a more inclusive fashion future through a course dedicated to adaptive fashion design. Their mission was to create custom, stylish garments for influencer and disability advocate Jessica Jordan Ping that go beyond function to deliver comfort, confidence, and real-world wearability.
One in four U.S. adults lives with a disability, with mobility being the most common challenge. As people age, apparel needs often shift dramatically, yet mainstream fashion has been slow to adapt. This course challenged that status quo. Rather than designing around brands, students were asked to design around people.
With guidance from Professor Reyes Witt, who is leading the industry’s first adaptive fashion course, students took a user-centered approach, conducting in-depth market research, identifying gaps in adaptive apparel, and documenting real user needs. With access to resources and technical insights from YKK and Browzwear, students also explored digital tools and material options that bring both precision and flexibility to the design process.
Throughout the course, students worked closely with Jessica Jordan Ping, a model, content creator, and disability advocate. Her firsthand insights drove the creative process and kept functionality at the forefront. Jessica's feedback highlighted common frustrations in mainstream clothing, from zippers catching on prosthetics to fabric that traps heat, and helped guide each team toward practical, personalized solutions.
Each student group approached adaptive design from a unique perspective, creating virtual twins in Browzwear using avatars with removable body parts. Students smartly incorporated innovative YKK closures in their designs.
Group 1 created an activewear look that balanced style and comfort, incorporating reflective trim, a sculpted vest, and a side zipper for easy dressing. Despite challenges with stretch materials, they created a final product praised for its performance and aesthetics.
Group 2 tackled the lack of fashionable adaptive evening wear. They designed a customizable dress with princess seams, magnetic closures, and a hidden slit, taking inspiration from Jessica’s needs and preferences, including her desire for a sense of normalcy and elegance.
Group 3 delivered a ready-to-wear look using magnetic zippers and an academia-inspired design. Jessica noted that the vest was easier to wear than her everyday clothing - proof that functional can be fashionable.
Group 4 focused on adaptive intimates, using feedback from fittings to incorporate underwire support, elastic bands, and seamless finishes. The result: comfortable, supportive pieces that Jessica could wear with confidence.
Group 5 presented a romantic, two-piece eveningwear design inspired by Taylor Swift’s "Enchanted." The outfit featured magnetic closures, airflow-enhancing slits, and elegant embellishments - proving that adaptive garments can shine on any red carpet.
From digital prototyping with Browzwear to fabric innovation with YKK, students leveraged the latest technology to bring their visions to life. But the real transformation came from their mindset: empathy-driven problem-solving that started with listening and led to innovation.
These future designers didn’t just learn about adaptive fashion. They became advocates for it. And thanks to their creativity, collaboration, and commitment, Jessica Jordan Ping walked away with more than beautiful garments—she walked away feeling seen, supported, and celebrated.
Jessica and Reyes Witts are now working together again and taking their advocacy even further by launching a consultancy for Universal Fashion called Sew Universal.
