#257: Tracy Vollbrecht (Adaptive & Universal Fashion Design) (pt. 1 of 2)

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Tracy Vollbrecht. She’s the founder of Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting, an adaptive fashion consultancy rooted in universal design principles. With work featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue, Oprah Daily and Cosmopolitan, Tracy is a recognized adaptive and universal design consultant. Her first experience with inclusive, functional fashion came when she unknowingly put universal design principles into action to help her dad manage his Multiple Sclerosis. Prior to starting her company, she held designer positions at companies such as JuniperUNLTD’S Yarrow and ULEX,  and Macy’s. Tracy is an ardent proponent of fashion for all, so you won't want to miss her thought-provoking interview.

 As the fashion world wakes up to the diverse needs of all its consumers, Tracy takes us through the exciting opportunities blossoming for entrepreneurs in this space. Her insights reveal the critical importance of consumer education in bridging the gap between available adaptive options and those who need them most. Understanding the complexities of catering to various needs, she underscores the significance of collaboration with the disabled community in creating truly inclusive clothing. From discussing the exciting potential of getting adaptive fashion into brick-and-mortar stores to the personal stories driving change, this episode is a beacon for anyone passionate about inclusive design.

Join us as we uncover the heart of what makes adaptive fashion not just necessary but revolutionary. Tracy shares a sneak peek into her upcoming course that promises to fill the educational void and propel forward-thinking creators into the spotlight. She fires up our imaginations with tales of how questions can fuel both artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, all while highlighting the beauty of inclusivity in fashion. By the end of our conversation, you'll feel the pulse of an industry on the cusp of greatness and be inspired by Tracy's dedication to fashion that truly fits everyone. Subscribe and stay tuned to see how the world of fashion is being reshaped for the better, one stitch at a time.

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Show Notes:

Tracy Vollbrecht
https://www.vollbrechtadaptiveconsulting.com/#team

Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting
https://www.vollbrechtadaptiveconsulting.com/

Women’s Wear Daily
https://wwd.com/

Vogue
https://www.vogue.com/

Oprah Daily
https://www.oprahdaily.com/

Cosmopolitan
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/

JuniperUNLTD’S Yarrow and ULEX
https://www.facebook.com/JuniperUnltd/

Macy’s
https://www.macys.com/

Target
https://www.target.com/

Tommy Adaptive
https://usa.tommy.com/en/tommy-adaptive

JCPenney
https://www.jcpenney.com

Kohls
https://www.kohls.com/

Zappos
https://www.zappos.com/

Kent State Fashion
https://www.kent.edu/fashion

Council of Fashion Designers In America
https://cfda.com/

Helen Cookman 
https://chipstone.org/exhibition.php/35/1/Functional_Fashions

Virginia Pope
https://blog.mam.org/2019/05/07/functional-fashions/

NYU Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
https://medli.nyu.edu/departments-divisions/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/

B Altman
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._Altman_and_Company

Lord and Taylor
https://www.lordandtaylor.com/

Adaptive Fashion Customer Deep Dive
https://www.udemy.com/course/adaptive-fashion-customer-deep-dive/

Demystifying Disability
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646508/demystifying-disability-by-emily-ladau/

Stephanie Thomas
https://cur8able.com/about-founder

OXO
https://www.oxo.com/we-are-oxo/aboutus