The Runway for All — Recondition MCR Disability Pride

“A catwalk is always such a fun and inviting environment for people, so it felt like the perfect way to bring people together.” Ellie Brown, Recondition MCR.

[embed]

When Ellie Louise Brown began Recondition MCR, she was looking for a solution to a problem that 16.8 million people face daily in the UK. Recondition MCR strives to create functional, but beautiful, clothing for those with extra needs. For the last three and a half years, Ellie has worked diligently, creating her own jean line — ‘The Reconditioned Jean’ — which has been designed with many alterations that you would not see in a typical high street store. For example, they feature front pockets, the traditional fly-zip has been replaced with a popper and ring-pull, the belt-loops have been reinforced to withstand pulling, pull tabs circle the knees to support wearers with limited mobility, and the jeans are made up of stretchy but stiff denim. The sizing also considers different hip shapes and waist sizes, and leg length alterations.

Ellie Brown — Founder of Recondition MCR. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

It’s no surprise how popular the Disability Pride Fashion Show was. Every seat in the house was filled, with photographers at the end of the runway. The models were fantastic, as many had a hidden or visible disability themselves. A small number of mobility aids were visible around the seating area, some of which were adorned with decorative items. One model, Tilly, had bedazzled hers with fabulous pink gemstones. The runway itself featured a mirrored table in the middle. It was shaped almost like a curved lowercase ’n’, with a hot pink body and shards of mirrors glued onto the surface. As the models walked, they waited inside or outside the table. At the end, they all walked backstage together.

“The audience ended up being so supportive, whooping and cheering, and that’s what we like to see. No boring catwalks at this brand!” Ellie Brown, Recondition MCR.

Many people involved with the show have a disability themselves. Model Rebecca is living with long COVID-19.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. This was me getting out of my comfort zone. I’ve recovered as much as I’m going to recover, so now I’m pushing myself. It’s exhilarating. I have long COVID, presenting itself very similarly to ME [Myalgic encephalomyelitis]. Lots of fatigue, brain fog, losing words, which is always fun.” Rebecca Lad, model.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, an estimated 1.8 million people are living with long-COVID in the UK. Currently, there is no known ‘cure’, although treatment exists which may help manage symptoms.

Rebecca Lad — Model. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

The show, which took place in Factory International, was colourful, with fashion students having created some of the looks. The students incorporated hot pink, pear, lime, black, white, red and navy. The look which model Bonita wore is reminiscent of the 50s due to the puff sleeves, billowy skirt, and natural waistline. The colours told a different story, veering more towards the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The dress was hot pink and pear coloured, with pink polka-dotted tights.

Student Design worn by model Bonita. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

Other looks from the show included a bright pink maxi dress with an empire waistline and a jewel neckline. The model, Jo, wore a layered pearl necklace and the Puma Speedcat suede ballet shoes in the shade dusky rosewood. The Reconditioned Jeans made appearances, of course, with it being the designer’s show. We saw model Valerian wearing the dark denim alongside a white tank top, which featured the iconic Recondition disco ball. Meanwhile, model Kate had them styled with a sweet pink baby tee, also featuring two Recondition disco balls on each side. She wore a yellow-gold tassel necklace which rested lightly on her sternum.

The Recondition MCR denim looks for the show. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

“It was really nice to see them [The Reconditioned Jean] alongside other pieces that could be launching in the near future. It was a very uplifting moment to see the products that we’ve already got and the future of the brand all coming together,” Ellie Brown, Recondition MCR.

Ellie’s creativity has helped Recondition MCR explode in popularity, and they collaborated with Lucy Jane Fashion on their ‘Covers that Care’ scheme. Lucy Jane, known on Instagram as @lucyjane.fashion, is a digital creator. With over twenty-six thousand followers, she posts about her life with a stoma.

Lucy Jane Fashion. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

“Life with a stoma means I can be here; I can be alive. To me, that’s my normal. I don’t view it any differently. Last year, we [Lucy Jane and Ellie] collaborated on the Reconditioned Jeans campaign, and I was one of the models. From that, conversations were started. We decided to make stoma bag covers. We released them in December last year, did a catwalk, and that was amazing. We had around fifteen people, all with stomas, walking down the runway. Ever since, I’ve wanted to be a part of the Recondition journey, and it’s amazing to see all these new things that Recondition have achieved,” Lucy Jane, influencer.

Recondition MCR stoma bag covers. Photography: Fin Molyneaux

They donate decorated stoma bag covers to hospitals, alongside a booklet called ‘A Guide to Life with a Stoma’. They sell these on the Recondition MCR website. The covers come in many colours and designs, some featuring a lace brim, others a leopard print, grey camo, and hot pink, so you can style your stoma to match your outfit for the day. It gives people more autonomy over what they wear and lets them show their personality through fashion.

Recondition MCR is growing fast. With over two and a half thousand followers on Instagram, it’s a brand to keep your eye on. It’s one of a kind, merging fashion and inclusivity in new and creative ways. The brand slogan speaks for itself — ‘not designed for you, until now.’

Backstage. Photography: Fin Molyneaux