Huili Jin is an inclusive fashion designer and creative pattern maker, originally from China and based in London, graduating from the Royal College of Art. She has created an inclusive fashion collection, tailored to wheelchair users, allowing them the ability to access trousers independently.
We got the opportunity to interview Huili Jin about her passion for inclusive fashion, how her recent collection can benefit wheelchair users and her ongoing work to create more adaptable and accessible clothing for the disability community.
A journey into inclusive fashion designing
Huili began by explaining what drew her into fashion designing, and went on to focus her work on inclusive fashion:
“I was drawn to fashion design because I believe clothing holds immense potential beyond aesthetics—it is functional, intimate, and ever-present, like a second skin. As something that accompanies the human body constantly, fashion has the power to support, empower, and transform lives.
“To me, fashion is not just about trends; it should also be a medium to serve communities and improve quality of life. That belief naturally led me to focus on inclusive and accessible design, where fashion becomes a tool for positive change.”
She added: “Inclusivity, functionality and sustainability are three key themes that frequently appear in my work and that I continually explore.
“Inclusive fashion design is a meaningful and necessary field. I am proud to contribute to it and to create designs that can truly improve people’s everyday lives.”
Although not disabled herself, Huili shared how her previous work within the disability community inspired her to focus on adaptable and accessible fashion:
“My first connection to the disability community began through volunteer work, where I had the opportunity to engage with individuals with disabilities and learn from their experiences.
“Later, I met Leanne Thompson, a model and disability advocate, and together we developed a runway look for London Fashion Week, which deepened my understanding of inclusive design. Through that journey, I was also introduced to my model, Zander Cossham, whose collaboration further shaped my perspective and commitment to accessibility in fashion.”
Designing for dignity: adaptive fashion for wheelchair users
Huili went into more detail about her adaptive fashion collection and how they’re adapted for disabled people:
“In this project, inspired by the belief that fashion should be accessible to everyone, this project addresses a common yet overlooked challenge faced by wheelchair users: the difficulty of independently putting on trousers. In collaboration with my model Zander, a wheelchair user, I explored innovative solutions through inclusive fashion design.
“The core of this project is to redesign the trousers pattern specifically for wheelchair users, allowing the garment to be worn from the top down. This makes it possible to dress while remaining seated, significantly improving ease of use and independence. Additionally, special attention was given to techniques, fabric choice, and seam placement to reduce discomfort caused by long periods of sitting.”
Huili continued: “My inclusive design collection was showcased at the ‘London Ethnic and B.I. Present: The Future of Fashion’ show during London Fashion Week 2025. This event focused on inclusive design and highlighted emerging designers who are redefining fashion with diversity, accessibility, and innovation in mind.
“It was an incredible opportunity to present my work on such a forward-thinking and meaningful platform.”
With regards to the disability community being able to purchase her inclusive fashion collection, Huili said:
“I’m currently in the process of developing a made-to-order service tailored specifically for wheelchair users. Due to the diverse body types and functional needs within this community, customisation is essential to ensure the right fit and comfort. While this service is still in development, it reflects my commitment to making inclusive fashion both accessible and thoughtfully designed.”
Building a career with purpose: Huili’s vision for inclusive fashion
Looking ahead to her future in the fashion industry, Huili expressed what is next in her career:
“I recently graduated from university and am now in the early stages of building my career in fashion design. I’m currently continuing work on the same inclusive design project showcased at London Fashion Week, with a specific focus on developing more looks, particularly centred around trousers. This allows me to explore deeper functionality and fit, which are often overlooked but essential in accessible fashion.”
Huili concluded with some valuable advice for other inclusive fashion designers:
“Inclusive fashion is absolutely a field worth exploring. The future of fashion should be more inclusive, diverse, and representative of all bodies and experiences. It’s a deeply meaningful journey—one that invites you to step into the lives of others, listen, collaborate, and create with empathy.
“By engaging with the community directly, you’ll gain insights that not only transform your design process but also expand your own perspective as a designer.”
You can find out more about Huili Jin and her inclusive fashion collections by following her on Instagram and LinkedIn.