Dignity by Design: The Business of Universal Fashion episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 7, 2026 · 26 MIN

Dignity by Design: The Business of Universal Fashion

from The AgeTech Podcast - by TheGerontechnologist · host Keren Etkin

Why should getting dressed be a 20-minute struggle? In this episode of the AgeTech Podcast, Keren Etkin sits down with Jimmy Zollo, co-founder and CEO of Joe & Bella, to explore the intersection of empathy and the fashion industry.Jimmy shares the deeply personal origin story of his brand- witnessing his grandmother’s painful daily routine- and how that led him to pivot from consumer insights to the complex world of adaptive apparel. We go behind the scenes of the "Four Fs" of their product development process and discuss the surprising market data showing that universal design isn't just for older adults anymore.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The Genesis of Joe & Bella: How a FaceTime call during the pandemic revealed the "ugly" truth about existing adaptive clothing and inspired a new standard for dignity.The Business of Universal Design: Why 40% of their recent male customers are under the age of 35 and what this means for the future.Gender-Based Market Insights: Key differences in how older men and women prioritize comfort, price, and aesthetics when shopping.

Why should getting dressed be a 20-minute struggle? In this episode of the AgeTech Podcast, Keren Etkin sits down with Jimmy Zollo, co-founder and CEO of Joe & Bella, to explore the intersection of empathy and the fashion industry.Jimmy shares the deeply personal origin story of his brand- witnessing his grandmother’s painful daily routine- and how that led him to pivot from consumer insights to the complex world of adaptive apparel. We go behind the scenes of the "Four Fs" of their product development process and discuss the surprising market data showing that universal design isn't just for older adults anymore.In this episode, you’ll learn about:The Genesis of Joe & Bella: How a FaceTime call during the pandemic revealed the "ugly" truth about existing adaptive clothing and inspired a new standard for dignity.The Business of Universal Design: Why 40% of their recent male customers are under the age of 35 and what this means for the future.Gender-Based Market Insights: Key differences in how older men and women prioritize comfort, price, and aesthetics when shopping.

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Dignity by Design: The Business of Universal Fashion

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This episode was published on January 7, 2026.

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Why should getting dressed be a 20-minute struggle? In this episode of the AgeTech Podcast, Keren Etkin sits down with Jimmy Zollo, co-founder and CEO of Joe & Bella, to explore the intersection of empathy and the fashion industry.Jimmy shares the...

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