Every piece of Christina Stephens is considered. From its environmental impact, to where a pressure sore might occur, to what fabric combination will rock your body (in a good way!)
Our Mission
When Christina Stephens first launched, its mission was to give women with disability and dexterity challenges more choice with their wardrobe, and more voice to be included and heard regarding their fashion desires. The core of this has not changed.
However, just like an idea, our mission has grown…
Christina Stephens exists to disrupt disability stereotypes. Our colourful and elevated designs, combined with smart innovations, has turned adaptive clothing on its head. We're the brand that allows people with disability, dexterity issues, and changing bodies to wear what they want, not what they're given.
OUR FOUNDER
Jessie Sadler
She’s been described as a visionary, a leader, a CEO, a disability advocate, a fashion-forward designer, and a fiercely loyal and honest friend, who sometimes forgets to make sure her hair isn’t cuckooing everywhere.
Jessie Sadler is the Founder and CEO of Australia’s most recognised adaptive fashion brand, Christina Stephens.
“Jessie has the courage and vision to own an immediate niche in adaptive clothing, while always thinking ahead and planning for the unique opportunities within the industry and how it relates to her customers.” ~ Laura Churchill, Director of Fashion Queensland and Brisbane Fashion Month.
The label was conceived after Founder Jessie Sadler’s mum had a fall and damaged her elbows. The injury prevented her from dressing with ease in her usual classy and understated style.
Jessie started exploring the demand through focus groups and conversations with people with disability. Twenty percent of the population live with a disability, yet Jessie found the proportion of beautiful, quality, and on-trend fashion available, was vastly lacking.
“I wanted to create a label that sounded like a designer label, not one that reminded customers of functional or clinical clothing. My mum’s name is Christine and my dad’s name is Stephen. The combination of names is just a little something that makes my business even more personal to me.”
Since launching the label at the start of COVID (a feat in itself!) Jessie has gone on to win numerous accolades:
+ Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia Award winner - 2024
+ Telstra Small Business Award finalist - 2024
+ Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards finalist - 2023
+ Lord Mayor’s Business Awards finalist - 2023
+ Top 50 Inside Small Business Leader - 2022
Recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism, Jessie brings a unique perspective to the fashion world. While she may always appear polished and poised, her mind is usually racing at 100km/hr below the surface.
She’s likely designing the next collection, thinking about the last P&L report, remembering to book her kids dentist appointments, all while holding an engaging conversation with you! Embracing her neurodiversity is propelling Christina Stephens forward - she leads with frank honesty, authentic transparency, and whip-smart nous. Her mission with Christina Stephens is to give everyone, regardless of their ability, the choice and confidence to wear what they want, not just what they’re given.
She’s also incredibly proud to have played a role in the nation’s first ever adaptive runway at Australian Fashion Week in 2022. From there, Christina Stephens has continued to gain momentum, pushing into mainstream fashion by launching on The Iconic and continuing to experience growth month-to-month.
But Christina Stephens is more than just a clothing line; it's a force for change within the fashion industry. Under Jessie's leadership, the brand prioritises innovation. From utilising cutting-edge 3D digital pattern-making technology to meticulously testing and refining hidden adaptations and magnetic closures, Christina Stephens constantly pushes the boundaries of what adaptive clothing can be. Hearing stories from their community, like Juanity Thrupp, who, until meeting Christina Stephens, used to wear the same two dresses for six years, keeps the fire alive to change the landscape of fashion so that people with disability, and who are often underestimated, can shine through self expression, safety, comfort, and style.
Environmental Impact
The concept of sustainability was embedded into our business ethos and daily operations well before it became a buzzword in the fashion industry. We’re acutely aware of the damage of fast fashion, which is why our products are made to be ‘lifers’. Everything we do at Christina Stephens, we do with a green earth in mind. From the small things like operating without an on-site printer, testing new processes that reduce the amount of fabric we use during sampling, to designing packaging that can be up cycled, broken down and reused.
We’ve also partnered with AirRobe, so you too can do your bit and give your Christina Stephens clothes new life, once you’re finished with it.
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