Kia Ora, I’m  Rebecca McKerras. I've most recently worked as a Specialist GP and live in the beautiful Hawke's Bay area. Prior to this I have worked in many different hospital settings, both in New Zealand and the UK. And this snapshot has shown me how frustrating clothing can all-too-often be for those with a disability or special needs. I've also seen how some treatment regimes e.g IV infusions and haemodialysis treatment mean that patients are unable to wear clothing that they may love and find comfortable due to issues with medical access.  And now I want to change that. I am also a lover of fabric and timeless style and am passionate about including that in adaptive clothing.

 

Clothed was initially a dream I had, to continue health advocacy and use my creative side to make a positive difference for people who may feel overlooked; through the medium of great clothing. Now with the support of a very small and passionate team, I am starting to make this dream a reality.

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Coming from a family of talented sewing enthusiasts and tailors, it was inevitable that at some point I too would also fall in love with fabric and garment construction. My passion started after the birth of my second son. 

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With my medical background I am also very conscious that textile choices in clothing are important for health. Fabrics each have their own temperature regulation, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial  properties; which in tum affects skin health. Happily the textiles most beneficial to us are natural fabrics also most beneficial to the planet.

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I have Jamaican heritage and grew up in England before marrying my Kiwi husband and moving to New Zealand. And we are very blessed to be raising our family in the wonderful Hawke's Bay.

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New Zealand is now my home and I love it! Currently the majority of adaptive clothing brands are abroad, but what if New Zealanders could shop for their needs locally? And what if as an added bonus they were made in New Zealand too? It’s better for the environment and great for our local economy. This is how our clothing will be made.

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Clothed: we see you; we clothe you.

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