Episode 15: “Beyond Fashion” Redefining Style and Inclusion - Featuring Jessie Sadler and Carol Taylor from Adaptive Clothing Company Christina Stephens

Join host Moana Robinson in a captivating conversation with Jessie Sadler and Carol Taylor, the visionary minds behind Christina Stephens. In this exclusive interview, delve into the unique journey of these two designers, whose passion for fashion stems from their personal experiences with disability. Jess and Carol's venture into adaptive fashion was sparked by a pivotal moment – a fall that left Jess's stylish mother, Christine, unable to dress herself. This incident propelled Jessie to establish Christina Stephens in the challenging year of 2020. Fast forward to 2022, where Jess invited Carol to join as Partner and Lead Designer, and together, they made history on Australia's inaugural adaptive clothing runway at Afterpay’s Australian Fashion Week, using Carol's wheelchair as a symbolic battering ram to open doors that had been closed to the disability community for decades. Carol Taylor, a fashion enthusiast before her spinal cord injury, shares her personal struggle with limited, unfashionable clothing options for people with disabilities. She sheds light on the isolation and impact on mental health caused by being excluded from the fashion conversation. Christina Stephens emerges as a beacon of change, not only enhancing the wardrobe choices for individuals with disabilities but also challenging stereotypes with colorful, elevated designs and smart innovations. Discover how Christina Stephens is not just a fashion brand but a catalyst for health improvements in the lives of the 1 in 5 Australians forgotten by the fashion industry. Jessie and Carol, driven by their commitment to mental and physical well-being, design on-trend clothing that goes beyond style – addressing issues like pressure sores, temperature control, nerve pain, sensory concerns, and discreet accessibility for catheters, colostomy bags, or prosthetics. At the heart of Christina Stephens lies a design philosophy shaped by constant interaction with the disability community, seeking feedback and making improvements based on their input. Jessie and Carol's mission is clear: to empower people with disabilities with the choice to wear what they want, to be included, heard, and, above all, seen. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that transcends fashion, challenging preconceptions and celebrating the power of choice in adaptive style. You can discover more about Christina Stephens and Jessie Sadler here Website: www.christinastephens.com.au. Instagram: @shopchristinastephens  Facebook: facebook.com/shopchristinastephens