EMBRACING INCLUSIVE FASHION
A South African Fashion Designer Balini Naidoo-Engelbrecht Introduces the Braille Identification System into The Fashion Industry for Visually Impaired Individuals
The inclusive fashion movement is reimagining the fashion industry by making it more accessible, diverse, and equitable. It envisions a more inclusive and body-positive world where everyone has the freedom to express their style.
Fashion, a universal language and a vibrant form of self-expression should be accessible to all, regardless of size, shape, or ability. Seeing people with disabilities represented in media, fashion, and other industries is crucial as representation helps to normalize diversity and break down prejudices and misconceptions.
By embracing body positivity and developing adaptive and inclusive clothing, brands are leading the way in creating a fashion environment where everyone belongs. Inclusive fashion is therefore not just a trend; it is a commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their body type, can access fashion that makes them feel beautiful. The main purpose of Inclusive design is for everyone to enjoy fashion, whether or not they have a disability.
A unique example of inclusive fashion is 33-year-old South African Fashion Designer Balini Naidoo Engelbrecht, who is on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry by embracing empowerment and inclusivity through the Braille Identification System. This innovative designer from Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa, has garnered attention with her approach of seamlessly integrating Braille into her garments, allowing visually impaired individuals to identify their clothing with pride.
Naidoo-Engelbrecht’s work goes beyond creating stylish and functional clothing; she is committed to promoting inclusivity and social responsibility within the fashion industry. Her motto “What you do for yourself, dies with you, but what you do for others’ lives forever” underscores this dedication.
“My uncle, who is visually impaired, shared with me how challenging it was for him to decide what to wear,” says Naidoo-Engelbrecht. This conversation sparked the idea that everyone, regardless of their ability to see, should have the freedom to make choices about their clothing. “This led to the creation of my unique Braille Identification System, which helps visually impaired individuals identify their clothes easily,” she explains.
This brilliant idea inspired Naidoo-Engelbrecht to launch BaliniTM in 2018, the first fashion line featuring Braille clothing, focusing primarily on visually impaired individuals. The Braille Identification System is specifically designed to enhance the fashion experience for those with visual impairments by providing essential garment information through tactile means. This approach allows them to create innovative, functional, and stylish clothing that empowers visually impaired individuals to confidently express their identity.
When Naidoo-Engelbrecht introduced her concept of incorporating Braille into fashion, inclusive fashion was not widely recognized or practiced in South Africa. She faced significant pushback. Despite this initial resistance, Naidoo-Engelbrecht remained steadfast in her vision, committed to creating a more inclusive and empowering fashion experience for visually impaired individuals.
When asked whether she has bridged the gap between the fashion industry and persons with disability, Naidoo-Engelbrecht acknowledged that there is still much progress to be made. While awareness of inclusive fashion is growing, there is a long way to go. She remains committed to advocating for and implementing inclusive designs to create a more accessible and empowering fashion industry for individuals with disabilities.
Ten years ago, it was challenging for Naidoo-Engelbrecht to find investors or secure funding for such an innovative concept, as inclusive fashion was relatively novel. However, she feels that the world is now catching on. With her high-profile projects, Naidoo-Engelbrecht believes she can create more awareness and overcome these hurdles.
“The main focus now is to create awareness about inclusive fashion,” Naidoo-Engelbrecht said. With my recent media coverage as one of the winners of the Woolworths Youth Maker Award and partnering with Dove South Africa to create a Braille-inspired dress for disability activist Meaghan Adonis, I feel I can leverage this publicity to elevate my brand and promote the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry.”
Primarily, sourcing funding to take her brand further remains a challenge, but increased awareness about inclusive fashion is helping to address this issue. “Through perseverance and leveraging opportunities like the Woolworths Youth Maker Award and partnering with Dove South Africa, I am making strides in spreading awareness and driving the growth of my brand,” explains Naidoo-Engelbrecht.
Naidoo-Engelbrecht’s most significant accomplishment has been introducing the Braille Identification System to the fashion industry, which has garnered recognition through multiple competitions and awards. However, she finds the profound impact this innovation has had in promoting inclusive fashion most rewarding. To her, it is about creating awareness and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities which is the most fulfilling aspect of her journey.
The fashion industry has a tremendous opportunity to promote the talent of persons with disabilities by embracing inclusivity more wholeheartedly. Naidoo-Engelbrecht believes that this starts with increased representation in fashion shows, campaigns, and media. Providing accessible platforms and resources for aspiring designers with disabilities is crucial. Additionally, fostering collaborations and partnerships that celebrate diversity and highlight the unique perspectives of disabled individuals can help reshape industry norms and promote meaningful change.
“Some of my most memorable works include my first fashion line, which holds a special place in my heart as it represents my early designs and creative journey. Another standout piece is the dress I designed for The Hollywoodbets Durban July 2024 event, which was a truly unforgettable experience and a significant milestone in my career,” says Naidoo-Engelbrecht.
She envisions her clothing line as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Looking ahead, she aims to expand the reach of the Braille Identification System, making fashion more accessible and empowering for individuals with disabilities worldwide. Her ultimate goal is to inspire positive change within the fashion industry, creating garments that not only look good but also champion diversity and enable self-expression for all.
Naidoo-Engelbrecht advises aspiring fashion designers, especially those living with disabilities, to embrace their unique perspectives and let them fuel their creativity. She encourages them to hone their craft, leverage their strengths, and seek out mentors and resources that support their journey. “Do not be afraid to challenge norms and innovate within the industry. Above all, believe in your talent and the positive impact your designs can make. Stay resilient, stay passionate, and trust in your ability to make a difference through your creativity,” advises Naidoo-Engelbrecht.
Conclusively, including people with disabilities in the design and decision-making processes ensures their needs and preferences are accurately reflected. Their firsthand experience is invaluable in creating truly inclusive products and services. Inclusive fashion is, therefore, vital to the industry, embodying respect, dignity, and the celebration of every individual’s uniqueness. It’s positive impact on self-esteem and mental health underscores its importance in promoting a more inclusive society.
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