A Tampa Bay fashion designer discover clothing for women with special needs

Tampa Bay designer makes fashion for women with disabilities

Lady Natasha Fines — yep, that's her true amazing name — is a fashion designer on a quest.

The Pinellas Park talent is fusing form, function, and fashion to address a gap in the apparel business.

From Lady Fines collection

"I want to make sure everyone is included in the fashion industry," she said. "There's a really big gap right now for the representation of girls with physical disabilities. There's also a huge gap in really cute fashion-forward clothes with accessible features."

In approximately a month, the designer will launch her Lady Fines brand, which will feature adapted apparel with a twist, fashion for young women with varying skills and medical needs. She's also founded the nonprofit Rebels With a Cause, which supports equity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. For easy, independent use, she substitutes magnets or velcro fasteners for buttons.

From Lady Fines collection

Mariah Knieriem, a friend and model, was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident. Most major-label jeans and pants are difficult to put on, but Lady Fines' pants zip along the sides and are both functional and dazzling.

"This is a clothing brand I can get attached to," Mariah said with a smile.

From Lady Fines collection

Lady Natasha began her career as a buyer for large companies but became dissatisfied when she observed how many young ladies were being disregarded. One of her original sources of inspiration? A fashionable aunt fighting cancer. Lady Natasha designed a fashionable pink jacket with zippers for medical gadgets.

Find more on Lady Fines brand

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