Department store chain JCPenney has launched a new, limited-edition collection of adaptive apparel for women who use wheelchairs. The Jamey Perry for JCPenney debuted today during New York Fashion Week at the ‘Runway of Dreams’ Fashion Revolution show and sees the department store expand its adaptive apparel offering.
The new collection, designed by disabled writer and athlete Jamey Perry, is created to address the functional requirements of wheelchair users while providing stylish choices suitable for everyday wear, special events, and all occasions. Jamey Perry for JCPenney is the latest collection of adaptive apparel brands offered by JCPenney since 2021, including Liz Claiborne, whose adaptive line launched earlier this year, IZOD, St. John’s Bay, and Thereabouts, among others.
“Creating this line with JCPenney has been a dream come true,” said Perry in a statement. “Although I’m new to the design world, the JCPenney team understood that my lived experience lent a unique perspective when creating this collection. Women like me want to look great and feel great, and we also need clothes that fit our lives. JCPenney gets that, and the result is incredible.”
Available in women’s sizes XS-XXL, the new collection retails between 44 dollars and 99 dollars and features 18 distinct styles, including blazers, dress slacks, blouses, and cocktail attire. The designs are tailored to address common challenges faced by women in wheelchairs, incorporating additional features such as strategically placed zippers for ease of access, pockets positioned for optimal use when seated, soft and breathable fabrics to minimize skin irritation, extended back rises for added comfort while sitting, shortened sleeves to prevent interference with wheelchair wheels, and waistband loops to simplify dressing.
“Jamey made it clear how hard it can be for women who use wheelchairs to find outfits that work for dressier moments – weddings, a night out, or an important work event – that are also comfortable and meet their mobility needs. We took on that challenge together and are delighted to have created a collection that is high-fashion and high-function,” said Chris Phillips, SVP, GMM apparel and head of ecommerce for JCPenney, in a statement. “We are proud to continue growing our adaptive apparel at JCPenney and remain committed to making fashion truly accessible.”
One of Jamey’s numerous achievements includes her competing in Division 1 wheelchair basketball for the Los Angeles Clippers Chairmen, part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA). In recognition of Perry’s dedication and to support her and her fellow athletes, JCPenney has made a donation of 10,000 dollars to the team.