Destiny Pinto, a woman from Crawley, West Sussex, was inspired to create a line of fashionable accessories after struggling to find stylish options while wearing compression gloves for her rheumatoid arthritis. Her collection features glamorous items designed to complement hearing aids, stoma bags, and compression gloves.
“It’s almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion,” Destiny remarked.
Her designs have gained significant attention on social media, amassing millions of views and drawing the interest of notable figures like Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, singer Sza, and model Tasha Ghouri, who wears a hearing aid and is set to appear on the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Destiny shared, “I hear personal stories from people, like children who wear colostomy bags or hearing aids, and they’ve never felt confident before seeing my designs.”
Her best friend Nikola, who underwent life-saving bowel surgery at the age of 10 and now permanently wears a stoma bag, has faced challenges in finding fashionable yet functional clothing. “Anything tight around the waist can cause leaks or pancaking, so I need to consider looser clothing or waistlines that sit higher or lower to avoid pressure on my stoma,” Nikola explained.
While there are some covers available, she noted, “They often look like tablecloths or come in plain colors. I want something that makes a statement—different materials, different designs.”
Nikola added: “The stoma bag can look very clinical, which stands out.
“These covers let me match my outfit. They’re not just practical, they’re a way for me to feel like myself again, like an accessory that adds to my style rather than detracting from it.”
Libby Herbert, chief executive of Colostomy UK, emphasized the importance of accessibility in fashion, stating, “If the industry doesn’t embrace accessibility, it can lead to isolation and poor mental health. People may avoid returning to work or struggle to maintain relationships. However, being able to express yourself— even with a stoma bag—through fashion can have a significant impact on someone’s wellbeing.”
Destiny Pinto expressed her desire for her project to be “more than just a shop.” She said, “I want it to be a community—a platform that I never had when I was diagnosed, and that Nikola never had either. I want to change the world and improve representation for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.”
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