Fashion Meets Function: Adaptive Clothing with Gary Duong Founder & CEO of Chicable - Episode 101

This episode, "Fashion Meets Function," is all about the innovative world of adaptive clothing. Host Diane Carbo speaks with Gary Duong, founder and CEO of Chicable, a clothing brand that is changing the game for people who face challenges in dressing. Gary, a talented software engineer and half-marathon runner who was born with cerebral palsy, shares how his personal experiences inspired him to create clothing that is not only functional but also stylish.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion, function, and dignity.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll hear in the episode:

• A Personal Journey of Innovation: Gary discusses how a simple frustration with buttoning a suit blazer led him to create Chicable, a brand name that blends the words "chic" and "able".
• Defining Adaptive Clothing: Learn what adaptive clothing is and how it's designed to work for the body, not against it.
• Style Meets Function: The discussion highlights Chicable's signature features, such as hidden hook-and-loop closures (Velcro) that replace buttons, providing a seamless and stylish look without the struggle.
• Empowering Independence: Gary and Diane emphasize how adaptive clothing can empower individuals with disabilities, boosting their self-esteem and emotional well-being by allowing them to dress themselves.
• Modernizing Adaptive Wear: Chicable’s mission is to move away from the "last century" aesthetic of traditional adaptive clothing, creating modern and clean designs that people will love.

• The Future of Chicable: Gary shares his vision for the brand, including the possibility of a service-based design where clothing can be custom-made to an individual's specific needs and preferences.
• Shifting Perceptions: Discover how adaptive fashion can help change societal perceptions of disability, promoting a narrative of independence and confidence.
• Advice for Caregivers: Gary offers a powerful piece of advice: ask your loved one what they would like and see them as a whole person, not just someone who needs to be fixed.

Tune in to the Full Episode! 🎧

Ready to hear the full conversation and learn how fashion can change lives? You can listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

After you listen, share your thoughts in the comments below. What do you find most challenging about dressing a loved one, or what is your favorite piece of clothing that makes you feel confident and independent? 💬

Chicable

We’re a smart, stylish and adaptive clothing brand. We streamline and elevate sophisticated dress for the physically challenged.

Chicable