Maux is a collection and brand that is driven by the need for functional and accessible clothing in the fashion industry. Throughout this collection you can see themes inspired by 60s fashion, complementing and contrasting colors, and strong lines that emphasize the body’s curves. You can also see construction components that are unique to different body types, such as changing the placement of a seam, altering the height of the waistline, or changing how you put the garment on. These design and construction ideas are from my own experiences with clothing and countless conversations I have had with others about fashion. These ideas have changed how I choose the placement of closures and it makes me think about how comfortable I can make a garment. Throughout each look there are unique closures, seams, and pockets. Most of these functional construction elements are hidden in order to create garments that are aesthetically pleasing to a larger audience. We should bring the industry together with common interests between consumers. For example most people I know, when they have a dress on and receive a compliment, the first thing they say in response is “thank you it has pockets!” Pockets in all clothing benefits everyone whether they have a disability or not.
Maux is a brand that is driven by trying to solve functional issues within garments while simultaneously maintaining a pleasing and fun aesthetic. I want the audience to feel more comfortable, confident, and less isolated. I want to show that our bodies do not need to be altered to fit standard clothing. Rather, we should alter the standard to fit our bodies. Just because there has been a standard way of making clothing doesn’t mean it is the right way.
MAUX girls, 2022, 8 garments, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The Brunet Dress and Pants, 2022, Look #6, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
These high waisted pants contour themselves to your body. Soft and comfortable material. This dress is made with thin chiffon to prevent overheating. It can be worn with a variety of different undergarments. The cord locks allow you to wear it loose or fitted.
The Green Dress, 2022, Look #8, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The Rollins Jumper and The Green Dress, 2022, Look #3 and Look #8, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The Romans Faux Backless Top and The Romans 8-pocket Pants, 2022, Look #2, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
This buttery, soft and stretchy fabric prevents skin agitation, as well as allows the shirt to stretch with the body. The Mesh back gives the look of a backless top without having to expose your skin or worry about the top falling off. These pants have 3 pockets on the front, allowing you to carry more items on your person. The two pockets on the back allow extra storage as well. The front pockets also allow you to store items whether you are sitting or standing. The pleats on the waistband prevent the waistband from digging into your stomach when you are sitting. The belt loops with snaps allows easy access to carry things on your person. Lastly the front closure has a magnet snap to assist with dressing.
The Kaia Three Piece Set, 2022, Look #4, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
he shoulder straps on the top allow you to adjust the tightness for comfort. The ties in the back allow you to adjust the top to your most comfortable fit. The second layer is removable which gives you the choice between a cropped or long look.The shorts are high waisted and fit perfectly under the skirt. You can wear the pieces together or separately. The skirt gives a layered dress look when worn with all layers from the top. Also allows more variety from the look as a whole.
The Rupp Top and The Rupp 6-pocket Pants, 2022, Look #7, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The satin soft material is smooth against the body and the back snaps assist with dressing. The pants side closures with opening allow ease with dressing as well as ease whether you are sitting or standing. The pants also have 3 pockets down the legs that allow you to carry more on your person whether you are sitting or standing. There are also straps down the legs that can assist you with leg movement.
The Green Dress With Zipper Pull and The Rollins Jumper, 2022, Look #8 and Look #3, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The Markel Set, 2022, Look #1, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
This set has all of the seams and tags on the outside of the garment to create a smooth feeling against the body.The front fly has a magnet snap for assistance when getting dressed. They can be cuffed or uncuffed for different heights and styles. The back closure allows this top to be adjusted as your body fluctuates.
The Green Dress and Mesh Set, 2022, Look #8, photo by Jacob Sarasohn
The stretchy material and under layer give the body more support and flexibility with wear. The full length zipper makes dressing easier as does the zipper pull, which makes it easier for one to dress and undress.
My name is Margaux and I am a designer dedicated to making fashion more accessible. The reason I started this journey into accessible fashion is because of a young girl named Nora. She showed me that there is a need for clothing for people with disabilities. Over the course of the COVID pandemic, her mom came to me saying that Nora was unable to go outside or to school because she couldn’t keep a mask on. So, we came up with the idea of putting a pacifier in a mask, which changed her covid experience. That little alteration made a huge difference so why not make those alterations to other garments? Nora opened my eyes to the fact that certain issues within fashion need to be solved.
My core value is to make sure the person wearing my garments has their needs met, whether that is a specific type of opening or fabric. This clothing is designed for people with visible and invisible disabilities, such as having a sensory disability or a physical one. I also want it to benefit people without disabilities by adding more pockets and easy closures. I try to think about different ways of getting dressed and undressed as well as everyday living. This has changed how I design and think about the comfort and functionality of a garment. I make sure to carefully consider the aesthetics as well. Clothing is a way of communicating who you are with the world and people around you. Everyday you make a decision to get dressed. You choose what makes you feel comfortable, confident, stylish, etc. Everyone should be able to have that choice, yet people who are the least bit different from the “norm” have a harder time finding options. The standard way is not working and hasn’t for a long time so let’s work to change it.