BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo's Cultivator program supports local early-stage startups in Western New York with mentorship and funding.
Their most recent investment is Allie Design, a Buffalo-based braille clothing startup that has partnered with Mattel on a Barbie collection that celebrates inclusivity.
The University has invested $100,000 into Aille (pronounced "eye") Design. The collection features several pieces with fully legible braille beadwork on different "ready-to-wear garments."
“The braille ranges from physical descriptions to empowering statements and is designed so that the braille is the focal point of each piece,” Alexa Jovanovic, CEO of Aille Design, said in a news release. “We use high-quality Swarovski pearl beads and ensure the braille is easy to read and the garments are both machine washable and stylish.”
The collaboration debuted with Mattel's launch of a blind Barbie on the Fashionistas line in July.
To celebrate the launch, Aille Design and Barbie are partnering with three notable low-vision models and disability advocates who are featured in the Barbie x Aille Design campaign:
- Mara Lauren Hutchinson: a legally blind content creator, TV reporter, fashion influencer, disability advocate and mother;
- Chelsea Langerud: a visually impaired content creator, writer and recent graduate of Arizona State University;
- Lolanta Mamatkazina: a 13-year-old legally blind opera singer and braille reader.
“When I first started Aille Design, people questioned why inclusive fashion was important,” Jovanovic said. “Now, to be launching a joint collection with Barbie and Mattel featuring our signature braille beadwork and creating a campaign highlighting three visually impaired models is monumental for disability representation in fashion. I can’t imagine a better partner to bring our braille fashion to a global audience and help create an authentic change in the fashion industry.”
The collection is available for purchase at Aille Design’s ecommerce page and the blind Barbie doll will be available at all Barbie retailers around the world.