Crawley woman creates fashion items for people with disabilities

A woman who found she had no stylish options to choose from when forced to wear compression gloves for her rheumatoid arthritis has been inspired to create a line of fashion accessories.

Destiny Pinto, from Crawley, West Sussex, creates glamorous items to complement hearing aids and stoma bags, as well as compression gloves.

“It’s almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion,” Destiny said.

Her designs have had millions of views on social media.

Among her interactions are Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles, singer Sza and model Tasha Ghouri, who wears a hearing aid and will appear on 2024’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Ms Pinto said: “I hear personal stories, like children who wear colostomy bags or hearing aids, and they’ve never felt confident before seeing my designs.”

Ms Pinto’s best friend Nikola underwent life-saving bowel surgery at the age of 10 and permanently wears a stoma bag, making finding fashionable yet functional clothing a challenge.

“Anything tight around the waist causes leaks or pancaking so I have to think about baggy clothing or waistlines that sit higher or lower to avoid putting pressure on my stoma,” said Nikola.

“There are some covers available, but they often look like tablecloths or come in plain colours.

“I like to be out there and I want something that makes a statement – different materials, different designs.”

Nikola added: “The stoma bag can look very clinical, which stands out.

“These covers let me match my outfit. They’re not just practical, they’re a way for me to feel like myself again, like an accessory that adds to my style rather than detracting from it.”

Libby Herbert, chief executive of Colostomy UK, said: “If the industry doesn’t embrace accessibility, it can lead to isolation and poor mental health.

“People may avoid returning to work or struggle to maintain relationships. But being able to express yourself – even with a stoma bag – through fashion can significantly impact someone’s wellbeing.”

Ms Pinto said she wanted her project to be “more than just a shop”.

“I want it to be a community – a platform that I never had when I was diagnosed, and that Nikola never had either,” she added.

“I want to change the world and improve representation for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.”