A fashion designer has created a much-needed clothing collection for people with dwarfism. Chamiah Dewey's range is tailored for people under 4ft 10ins and includes casual wear, occasion dresses and bridalwear.
The 23-year-old studied fashion design at London College of Fashion and, after meeting a teenager with dwarfism, realised there was a gap in the clothing market. In her final year, she started working on her new business - Chamiah Dewey Fashion.
After spending the next two years researching and designing Chamiah launched first collection in February. And this month, her creations made it to the catwalk of London Fashion Week.
Chamiah, from Southampton, said: “When I saw the models' faces when they put on the clothes and walked down the catwalk it was amazing. They had so much joy and they were beaming.
“It was the best day of my life. You could see they were finally seen and heard.
"I cried because it was just so amazing and impactful. All I wanted to do was make people with dwarfism or short stature feel confident and happy in clothes.”
Chamiah recalled how the girl with dwarfism inspired her. “I was curious about where she got her clothes from as I’ve always loved fashion,” Chamiah said.
“She told me there was hardly anywhere she could get them." Chamiah set out researching any brands out there and said she discovered there wasn’t anything in the UK tailored for people with dwarfism.
“People with dwarfism usually have wide hips so it makes it tricky to even fit into kids' clothes,” she said. "I know some shop in the children's section but most buy from high street shops and make their own DIY alternations to the clothes."
She added: "I knew going into university I was going to make a brand for them. I started putting my business together and had mannequins made so I could design my clothes."
Chamiah makes sure her designs are suitable for people with dwarfism by avoiding button and zips. "Lots of people struggle with dexterity so things like buttons can be really fiddly for them," she said.
"I avoid buttons and zips so I'll make lots of my dresses wrap dresses so they are easy to put on and use magnetic snaps instead of buttons."
Chamiah is in the very early stages of her business, but hopes to take on investment next year to grow her brand and has her next collection planned for release next month.
Fatima Timbo, 25, a model with dwarfism and influencer, from Ebbsfleet, Kent, was among those showing off Chamiah's creations. She said: "Everyone deserves to wear clothes and feel empowered and normalised. I normally avoid wearing maxi dresses as they are a train on me and wear crop tops as they are then the right length on me.
"It was amazing to put on clothes that I don't have to tailor. I felt like a bad b****h walking down the catwalk.
"Everyone told me how gorgeous I looked. I felt amazing and just felt pure joy.
"It shows that a little woman is OK. I really want this brand to be successful and inspire and empower people."
