SOLIT: Inclusive Fashion for AllBreaking Barriers and Redefining Fashion
Ever since I was a little, I have felt that I was an ugly person. I felt this especially in the fitting rooms, where I entered in the hope that I might be able to change. There are many people who cannot wear existing clothes due to design or structural problems. We have been working with medical and welfare professionals, wheelchair users, dwarfism, and other people who have been experiencing problems with clothing from the planning stage.
SOLIT, a semi-personalized inclusive fashion brand, is revolutionizing the way we perceive fashion. Designed by Misaki Tanaka, SOLIT aims to provide clothing options for individuals of all body types, disabilities, and sexualities. With over 1,600 patterns to choose from, SOLIT offers a diverse range of sizes and styles that cater to the unique needs and preferences of each customer.
What sets SOLIT apart is its commitment to inclusivity and customization. The brand actively involves people with disabilities and sexual minorities in the development process, ensuring that their voices are heard from the planning stage. By cutting the fabric only after receiving a request, SOLIT minimizes waste and produces only what is needed, promoting sustainability and responsible consumption.
The design process behind SOLIT is a result of extensive research and collaboration. Misaki Tanaka and the design team consulted with medical and welfare professionals, as well as individuals who face challenges in wearing conventional clothing. Their insights and experiences informed the design specifications, allowing SOLIT to create garments that perfectly fit each customer's individual needs.
From adding ribbing to sleeves and jackets for wheelchair users to making it easier for people with quadriplegia to put on and take off clothes, SOLIT's designs address specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The brand's commitment to customization and inclusivity has empowered its users, enabling them to participate more fully in society through clothing.
Since its launch in September 2020, SOLIT has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to fashion. The brand was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Social Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.
SOLIT is not just a fashion brand; it is a movement towards creating an "all-inclusive" society that embraces diversity and leaves no one behind. By reimagining fashion and breaking down barriers, SOLIT is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: MISAKI TANAKA
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Kiruke Watanabe, Key Visual1 2020.
Image #2: Photographer Koji Yamanaka, Masaki-san 2020.
Image #3: Photographer Dai Hashimoto, SOLIT Broad Shirts 2020.
Image #4: Photographer Takahide Wakabayashi, Dawn Jacket 2020.
Image #5: Photographer Kiruke Watanabe, Key Visual2 2020.
Project Team Members: Misaki TANAKA
ITSUO MIHARA
YUKIKO ITO
Tomoko IKENOUE
Project Name: Solit
Project Client: MISAKI TANAKA