Rolling
Bicyclers, wheelchair users, skaters all perform these abilities by propelling themselves with wheels, turning over and over on an axis. All forms of this technology have undergone many changes throughout the centuries, and here we have 4 selections, with two beings of historical origin and two of 21st-century origin. A ladies cycling suit and attachable roller skates show two different significant and exciting turn of the century dress for transportation. Modern roller skates show a new design with significant different material assemblies and IZ Adaptive provides access to a contemporary line of clothing designed specifically for seated wearers, both a comfortable and inclusive fashion line for wheelchair users.
Ladies Cycling Bloomers, Breeches and Knickers
Date: c 1895-1900
Medium: -
Image courtesy of Manchester Art Gallery
Description: Practical Bicycles became available in 1817, and then with the development of safety bicycles, riding became popular in the late 19th century. However, the women’s fashion of the day, tight corset, long, and layered skirts, was not accommodating with this kind of transportation. Those skirts were replaced with cycling trousers or “bloomers” consisting of a jacket and waistcoat and gave women the feeling of freedom. However, this style was not socially accepted due to its masculine look, and most women preferred to wear their thick skirts instead.
Vintage Hustler Speed King Roller Skates
Date: 1940s
Medium: Heavy metal, leather, composite wheels
Credit:
Description: This is a pair of vintage Hustler Speed King roller skates. These 1940s roller skates are made of heavy metal and have adjustable leather straps with two metal pieces on the top front to hold the toe box of walking shoes for adjustable sizes. In addition, they have leather straps in the back that go around the ankle, and there would typically be extra leather padding at the back of the ankle, though for this pair, those straps are lost. They have solid metal heel plates and rounded edge footplates with heavy-duty ball bearings and fading blue wheels. They were made by the Hustler Corporation in Sterling Illinois. This line of skates was carried by wholesale, catalog premium houses, hardware, and variety stores, in addition to large chain stores throughout the country including Sears, Macy's, Montgomery Ward, Gimbels, and Marshall Field's.
Skate Gear Skates
Date: 2016
Medium: Faux-leather, wood, metal, plastic
Credit: Christine McDonald
Description: These Skate Gear roller skates are composed of a soft faux-leather high top boot with a wooden heel and sole. The frame for the wheels and bearings is composed of durable plastic and metal supports. These retro-style skates feature bright pink laces, 54x32mm indoor wheels, a rubber front toe-stopper brake. These roller skates are in the personal collection of amateur indoor-skater Christine McDonald. Roller skating technology has evolved greatly since its recorded inception in the mid-eighteenth century, and these particular skates are quad-wheeled, meaning two wheels sit parallel to each other in the front and back, connected by a pivot mount that allows the rider/wearer to make subtle shifts in direction by shifting their weight.
IZ Adaptive “Seated Rain Coat” & “Wrap Waist Stretch Jean in Wheelchair Cut”
Date: 2020
Medium: Denim, velcro, polyester, spandex
Description: Ease of dress and comfort are paramount in creating fashion for both seated customers and people with limited mobility, and Izzy Camilleri's adaptive designs take all of this into account when creating bottoms, tops, accessories, and coats. Between using innovative wrapping strategies, flexible and comfortable materials, and inclusive fashion patterns, IZ Adaptive provides accessible basic and formal garments suited for the seated body. Please find links to the IZ Adaptive commercial website, where you can explore the wide range of fashion varieties available. We are particularly interested in the Seated Rain Coat & the Wrap Waist Stretch Jeans for Wheelchair.
