Victoria Jenkins

Founder, Unhidden

FOR TAILORING CLOTHING TO AN OVERLOOKED MARKET

DURING A HOSPItal stay in London in 2016 for a ruptured ulcer, Victoria Jenkins was dismayed to see her roommate, a cancer survivor, poked, prodded, and repeatedly exposed in her ill-fitting hospital garb.

Jenkins, who had spent a decade perfecting the fit and performance of clothing as a garment technologist for brands such as Sweaty Betty and Victoria Beckham, began exploring better options online. There weren’t many. Tommy Hilfiger had launched a noteworthy line in 2016 to accommodate the needs of people who are chronically ill or physically disabled (and the first-ever adaptive line for children), but few other brands were structured to help this population, let alone make them feel attractive. “I realized I could put my garment construction knowledge to better use,” she says.

Three years ago, she launched Unhidden, the first sustainable, adaptive clothing line to address many of the specific anatomical and mobility issues faced by an estimated

1 billion people worldwide. Unhidden’s shirts feature concealed openings to allow unfettered access to arm and chest ports. For wheelchair users, there are pants with a higher back rise, lower pockets, and zipper openings on the sides and lower legs. Wrap designs employ soft, stretchy fabrics for easier dressing. “These simple changes make such a huge difference for people and their dignity,” Jenkins says. Shoppers can purchase items directly from the Unhidden site.

Within a year of launch, Unhidden became the first disabled-owned adaptive-wear brand to join the British Fashion Council. In February, during London Fashion Week, it became the first adaptive brand to host a solo runway show; British Vogue covered the event. A second runway show is slated for September.