Collection Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia caused her left hand and arm to be paralyzed, and is collapsed on the chest. It is very inconvenient for her to put on clothes. The sleeve opening we normally wear are tight and too narrow. Loose sleeves are not an option because they have a lot of excess. So I decided to shorten sleeve length and to reduce the amount of stacking of fabric. It is also necessary to expand the cuffs.
Now there are some pleating techniques to increase the flexibility of the fabric, more convenient for her hands to put on and take off. Comfort and warmth are very important factors to consider, so in some areas I use knitted fabrics for comfort and to ensure warmth. I designed different neckline for different weather. In winter, the high collar will keep her warm. In summer, a tight round collar is needed to protect her from the wind.
The design for trousers focused on being easy to put on and off with one hand. Because of Hemiplegia, grandma normally puts on trousers with her moving right hand and causing one side to be worn higher than the other. I decided to design a strap to hang the pant from the shoulder, so the trouser waist does not appear high and low around the waist. The design of the diagonal strap allows her to put the trousers on one side of the sling by lifting the strap. The back of the trousers is higher than the front, because the patient is sitting most of the time. If the back waist height is the same as the front, the back will slide down and the waist will be exposed. The extra back waistband height will also protect the waist from the cold. The front pant fly is opened longer than the ordinary trousers, so it won't get stuck in the crouch area when you take off your pants, making it easier to put on and take off. The closures can vary from zippers, Velcro, drawstrings, elastic bands, and an opening on the side to facilitate the elderly to wear off the pants with a flexible right hand.
When they walk, they need a foot supporter, and the auxiliary bracket is made of plastic, which is very hard on the foot. The improved bracket has a cushion on the sole of the foot so it feels softer. An extra elastic band on the back of the foot will not cause the foot to bend and be dragged on the floor while walking
I understand my grandmother’s needs and decided to take on a slightly different direction. Therefore, I have incorporated more of solutions to my grandmother’s current difficulties and her personal preferences into the clothes. So that the designs can serve her daily life, solving her inconvenience in dressing.
These are final collection drawings. I have sorted them when I was drawing each looks by function, for instance some for home, some for sports, and some for evening or dress up daywear. I tried to design them for both seasons, fall and spring. I know the most important factor is for the elderly to feel comfortable and warm in all seasons. The collection is designed for my grandmother who has Hemiplegia.
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