When Irinie first came to us with a customisation request, she was a busy bride-to-be. However, she wasn’t looking to make new clothes for herself, but for her then-future mother-in-law – Jane. Jane has been bedridden for a long time due to a stroke. The family was looking forward to her son's upcoming wedding and hoped that Jane could be dressed in an outfit that would look flattering on her, without neglecting her comfort.

Will & Well believes no one has to suffer for the sake of fashion, including Planet Earth. That’s why we’re using fabrics we have in storage to make Adaptable+. This eco-conscious collection that embraces what we already own, what you can own, and what, together, we can call our own efforts towards inclusive and sustainable fashion that also includes Planet Earth. 

“What would an organisation with inclusive work practices look like?”

For centuries, workplaces have been designed for able-bodied people. Because of long-standing physical and social barriers, organisations often fail to make adequate accommodations for people with special needs. Through my time with Mustard Tree, I learnt what it means to build a workplace with love.

Social isolation is a complex issue with various causes and solutions. Muthiah had to wear a sarong instead of conventional pants because of a condition called elephantiasis. He felt ashamed, believing he could not face modern society and gradually, he lost his social life, dignity, and independence.

In some ways, our journey with Yuan Ping mirrored that with our other customisation clients. What makes our experience with each client unique though, is the little moments in between which remind us why the human touch is an indispensable part of our design process.

When our clothes no longer “fit” us, do we throw them away and buy new ones or make do with what we already have? Clothes that are mass produced may be cheap, but fast fashion cannot compare to the work that goes into making a piece of clothing fit the unique you. 

So, how do you see yourself contributing to Will & Well?

“Um…writing blog posts?” *smiles awkwardly*

Other things were said at my first meeting with Elisa, but it seems rather fitting to end my 3-month long internship stint at Will & Well with a task to – you guessed it – write a blog post.

You Pin started learning to sew at a young age of 12 because it was a skill her father had deemed necessary and suitable for women to learn. Struggling between her father’s demands and exploring her own passions through her youth, You Pin ultimately told us that she was thankful that her father had made her learn to sew.

As a person with muscular dystrophy, Shalom realised that his dressing process could be quite taxing for his caregiver. He came to us with a request for customised apparels – ones that would be easier for his caregiver to help him put on, plus, suitable to wear it for sleep and for a day out.