Meeting Natalie Trevonne was an eye-opening experience. Initially engaged in consulting and writing, Trevonne, at 33, has made a significant pivot from sharing her critiques of the fashion industry’s accessibility to creating her own solution. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 18, leading to legal blindness after corrective surgery, she has since become a vocal advocate for inclusivity. Her journey included insightful contributions to POPSUGAR in 2021 and critiques of fashion media’s audio descriptions. In 2023, she spotlighted her participation in an inclusive, all-blind runway show, setting the stage for her brand, NYI—Not Your Inspiration.
Collaborating with Ernest Spicer, NYI’s CTO and designer, they debuted an NFT wedding dress at Meta Fashion Week, leading to the conception of NYI. The brand is Trevonne’s answer to the fashion world’s gap in tactile, creative clothing. “Style You Can Touch” encapsulates her vision—designs rich in texture for an immersive experience. From the sleekness of silk to the rugged charm of corduroy, NYI aims to modernize classic textures for the tactile discernment of the blind community, allowing for a sensory-rich wardrobe.
In anticipation of New York Fashion Week, Trevonne unveiled her first collection in an intimate East Coast showcase. The event, which I had the privilege of leading in discussion, also introduced Access Chicks, NYI’s advocacy branch aimed at empowering those with disabilities through fashion and beauty education.
While adaptive fashion has made strides with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret introducing functionality-focused garments, Trevonne sees room for improvement. She advocates for integrated design—where functionality meets fashion without segregating collections. This belief was further echoed in her collaboration with designers Sky Cubacub and Kyle Denman for the I AM: Inclusive Fashion Experience, emphasizing inclusivity without compromise.
Trevonne’s NYI is more than a brand; it’s a statement against being seen as “inspirational” merely for navigating life with a disability. It’s a call to recognize ability and inclusion as standard, not exceptions. As she plans for Access Chicks’ future and dreams of physical stores for a more tactile shopping experience, Trevonne is reshaping the narrative around fashion, accessibility, and the power of visibility.