Sophie is born, the first mannequin sitting in a wheelchair

Sophie Morgan, Writer and TV presenter, victim of a road accident, at the age of 18, who forced her to a life on the wheelchair, did not believe in her eyes when she saw for the first time Sophie, The first mannequin sitting in a wheelchair.

Baptized in his honor, the project is the result of a long and intense collaboration between Primark and Sophie Morgan herself, who actively participated in the creation of the mannequin, following every detail, so that this respect with truthfulness and represented at best The reality of those who live in the wheelchair. Just what she has never found in any shop, showcase or magazine once you leave the hospital and received the diagnosis. “I didn’t feel represented anywhere. Certainly not in the main streets of shopping or in the newspapers I read »he says in the video published on social media thinking of his early days on the wheelchair.

It was precisely this sort of feeling of marginalization that pushed her to set the creativity in motion to look for a solution. From there, the idea of drawing a mannequin who had the appearance of the people sitting on the wheelchair and who served as a stylistic guide, but above all that it was a symbol of inclusiveness And “one way to let people know that people like me are welcome to this world” He says again.

An arduous feat, which led her to deal with several waste. A reflection, this, of how much there is still to be done on this front, considered by many, including the fashion universe, a soil still too slippery, where the fears of supporting an idea that may appear, erroneously, as an opportunistic way of advertising to advertise the desire to truly create that inclusive world so praised on paper, but still little in the facts.

Up to the call of Primark, A year ago, which gave Sophie the opportunity to put her dream to good use, collaborating to the creation of a female mannequin in a wheelchair that really reflects his life and was faithful to his personal experience. Sophie Morgan worked closely with the Fast Fashion fashion brand to the care of every detail: from the creation of the Mood Board and the collection of body measurements, to the revision of 3D models up to the visit to the production site for final approvals. «For example – writes the presenter on social media by telling the details of Sophie – It has a more defined force in the upper part of the body, slightly atrophied legs and many other weighted elements to make sure it is based on the experience lived … ».

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Sophie It perfectly reflects the disabilities, but at the same time, as the presenter stresses, it is “active, and ready to wear garments for every type of occasion. Not only Sportswear, But fashionable pieces to show that it can be part of a work environment, which can go to the parties and have fun ». In short, having a wardrobe and inspirations for every aspect and occasion of life. “So please take it as a source of inspiration and guide on what could be fine, if you too, like me, live your life from a sitting position !!” It is Morgan’s proud invitation.

A good and above all important project, which has been able to give voice to the desires of those who, in this respect, are still invisible, just as the cascade of messages and comments of appreciation on social media demonstrate. «Very good, Sophie. We must be seen as women and men who love fashion as much as women and skilled men»Someone writes. “Sophie is well done, it’s fantastic. It is so nice to see yourself represented… Finally! Thank you so much for what you do. Make this world a better place »commented someone else.

Sophie It is currently present in 22 flagship stores of Primark, all over the world, including the one in via Torino in Milan. But not only. Sophie will be the protagonist in the windows which, in addition to the main collections of the brand, will present the line Adaptive of the brand, the first women’s and male fashion collection designed specifically for people with disabilities. This consists of essential garments designed with characteristics designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, permanent or temporary. These include magnetic closures, pressure buttons, life passers -by and discreet openings for access to pipes, stomies or catheters. The line also includes options specifically designed for those who spend a lot of time sitting, like people who use a wheelchair.

We hope this is only the beginning.