The Talking Wardrobe

Background

Clothing can have a heightened sensory impact on neurodivergent individuals, shaping the way they experience garments. Brittany’s research focuses on understanding these experiences.

Through her work in participatory and co-design practices, Brittany observed that many prospective participants were eager to contribute and share their experiences, but in-person workshops often posed accessibility challenges. This project responds to that need, creating a space where people can engage in conversations about clothing in an ongoing, inclusive, and interactive way.

Participation

The Talking Wardrobe consists of a series of interactive posters that invite visitors to reflect on and share their experiences with clothing. Prompts and activities encourage participants to explore how garments feel and the impressions they leave. Contributions can be added on-site or via the online platform @the_talking_wardrobe, creating a shared space for stories and insights. By participating, visitors contribute to ongoing research that seeks to challenge fashion’s traditional focus on appearance, instead centering the wearer’s experience of clothing.

Project continuation

After Dutch Design Week, the project continues online via @the_talking_wardrobe. Participants are invited to share stories and insights about how clothing affects them, both physically and emotionally. The project aims to grow into a community-driven dataset documenting the diverse experiences of clothing.