Student launches clothing line inspired by her journey with scoliosis

Sophie Whalley, 21, from Accrington, launched DailyMova to create her own solutions for the struggles she faced with the condition.

After finding a gap in the market, Sophie designed adaptable athleisure which looked stylish, felt comfortable, and supported asymmetrical bodies through extra padding, adjustable length materials, easy use clips and moveable straps.

She said: “For years, I've struggled to find activewear that is comfortable throughout the day. Too much compression on my ribs, not enough padding on my back and straps falling down. So rather than waiting for a fashion solution, I decided to create one myself."

"I'm just one person with scoliosis. There are so many more people out there with it, all with different needs."

"I never found anything that was suited directly for my body. So, it was really important that I created a brand that didn't seem out of the ordinary, draw attention to the disability or make you look different from anyone else."

"DailyMova envisions all of that and is also a strong community-based brand where the girls involved help the design process but also feel supported as a group and movement."

Sophie was encouraged by her lecturers on the BA Fashion and Business Promotion course to take up a project she felt passionate and knowledgeable about.

She worked with a community of girls and women with scoliosis to carry out extensive research and understand their individual needs.

The line includes a sports bra, adjustable leggings and a scoliosis brace friendly sweatshirt.

She didn't want the clothing to look like medical equipment or draw attention to the disability.

For example, a scoliosis brace friendly sweatshirt which allows users to wear a brace for support and a sweatshirt over the top without it looking bulky or obvious.

"I initially wanted to keep it minimalistic, casual and 'clean girl' but I had the realisation that everyone does this already, so I wanted to do something different,” she added.

In order to showcase and celebrate imperfections, she used leopard prints, polka dots, electric blue and bubble-gum pink in this first collection.

The attention to detail didn't stop as she analysed the softness of zips and experienced the difficulty of the manufacturing process when navigating for the first time.

"I'm glad I stuck with it as I wanted it to be spot on and that's been the hardest part of it.

"I was very timid at first and didn't think anyone would like this whole idea, but I still put my heart and soul into it, and I think you just have to believe in what you're doing.

"This project and my whole university experience hasn't been perfect, but it's brought me out in such better stead for the industry, and you do have to go through a few bumps to get to your final destination."

The original concept was awarded Best Business Idea at her programme's end of year award alongside the Social Purpose Award from the Association for Fashion Business Employability.