Fashion for Everyone
Alexandra is the Founder of Puffins; a premium fashion brand that aims to redefine ‘normal’ by considering the physical challenges of disabled consumers as its main inspiration for their designs, rather than it being an afterthought. Alexandra founded the company in 2020 together with avant-garde Ukrainian fashion designer Fedir Vozianov.
Alexandra had a spinal cord injury at birth due to medical error, and has been using a wheelchair since she was a child. Alexandra says she has never felt the need to be fixed – and simply wants to live this life as much as she can for as long as she can. Alexandra is acknowledged as the world’s first runway model in a wheelchair, and as well as founding Puffins, is a wife and mother.
Puffins’ approach is to ensure inclusion at every step. Making their clothes at the United Nations-sponsored Production Centre in Poltava, Ukraine – a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for women from vulnerable and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, including women with disabilities and those who have suffered from domestic abuse.
Their aim is to provide access to high quality, stylish and practical universal outerwear in every corner of the world where it is needed.
