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Mentor, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2011 – Individuals with Down syndrome have a hard time finding stylish clothes that fit their unique shape. Karen Bowersox, inspired by her granddaughter who was born with Down syndrome, looks to change that with Downs Designs, which is a new clothing line aimed specifically at people with Down syndrome.
A true labor of love, Bowersox looks forward to selling the new clothing line. Due to the enormous task of creating sizes that had never existed before, Downs Designs started with adult-size jeans and a simple long-sleeve T shirt. Designer Jillian Jankovsky knew it was necessary to start with a basic pant and shirt, which establishes sizes that would fit a person with Down syndrome. Downs Designs used eight adults with Down syndrome as models.
Watching her granddaughter grow, Bowersox sees the challenges her daughter faces finding clothes that fit appropriately. Downs Designs creates new patterns for adults, teens and kids, including blouses, dress shirts, dress pants, casual pants, pajamas, coats and hooded sweat suits. It has carefully studied the body types and bone structure of people with Down syndrome and created its designs to fit accordingly.
Through their travels around the world to meetings and conferences, Bowersox and Jankovsky have met hundreds of families who anticipate the jeans and shirts’ availability. At the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference in Florida, last July, Bowersox and Jankovsky sampled their clothes on individuals with Down syndrome.
“We were amazed at the transformations,” Bowersox said. “Some of the parents wanted to take our samples home and were ready to order from us right there. Our sizing was very successful for almost everyone.”
Downs Designs will employ numerous people with Down syndrome to help support the Downs community. It works closely with the National Down Syndrome Society and local chapters, as well.
“Our goal is for people with Down syndrome to have clothes that fit their unique body shapes and have style, as well,” Bowersox said. “We promise that rolling up sleeves and hems will no longer be a problem and settling for uncomfortable clothing because there are no other options will become a thing of the past.”
To follow Downs Designs' progress, as well as view updates on new ideas, visit its page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/downsdesigns.
You can order online at www.downsdesigns.com. Those in the Cleveland area can make an appointment for a personal fitting by calling
877-390-4851. The store is located at 8796 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor, Ohio 44060.
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