A fashionista of our own

She can count some of the biggest high street names among her clients. And some are talking of her as the disabled Gok Wan. Mik Scarlet meets model and designer Kay Dixon

Most disabled people agree that we are under represented throughout the media, and that won’t change until there are more of us working with the creative industries. The fashion world is particularly infamous for being a bastion for the “physically perfect”. So when I met up and coming fashion designer and stylist Kay Dixon at a Channel 4 drinks and canapés event for disabled talent, my heart skipped a beat and not just because she is rather attractive.

“From a very young age, I always had an eye for detail and used to follow fashion. I was more interested in how the garment was put together and the history behind it. Growing up this reflected on my appearance, as many people would stop me and ask where I got my clothes from or how I was wearing an item. Before the age of 15 I knew exactly what career path I wanted to follow. A lot of people don’t realise how important fashion is…if we look good, then we feel good! Fashion psychologically gives us a high when we get it right! So making people feel confident and happy with their appearance is a huge part of my job that is rewarding."

Her CV is packed full of big names, including Selfridges and Harvey Nicks (sweetie), and she was a stylist on the Clothes Show Live events.

She is also a successful model, and is a talent spotter searching out new talent .

“I have been modelling since the age of 17. I only started modelling with the idea of building up contacts for my chosen fashion career. Modelling is very difficult for disabled people as the stigma of being “different” is always frowned upon. There are limited agencies that represent disabled people; fortunately I am with an agency that showcase the positivity of being disabled. DK Model Management are very friendly and see the ability and potential in the individual not the disability. I also model scout for various model agencies and promotion companies. This gives me the opportunity to see what new talent or looks we will have representing our designs and clothes.”

But had she ever faced discrimination due to her disability?

“Sadly yes!! Disability is  frowned upon by many people. And the industry that I am in is about how you look. I have gone for many job interviews knowing that I am qualified (sometimes over qualified), but when I tell them about my disability it is frowned upon and I am automatically put into the “disabled” category.

I think a lot of employers get scared, they must think that I will not be able to cope with the job or that I will need a lot of time off sick. They couldn’t be so wrong!! Some people just don’t know how to act around disabled people, sometimes they think that ignoring you, staring or unintentionally sounding patronising is a way of being aware of your presence.”

She is currently getting ready to launch her own online clothing and fashion company.

“Cocodoll.co.uk is a new exciting business adventure of mine, which will be launched late February 2012. It’s  a mixture of exciting vintage, retro, high fashion and exclusive pieces. The site  also has a lifestyle section where there will be makeup, hair and fashion advice. Each month I will be introducing new talent to give advice, either within fashion, beauty or just general lifestyle. Also Cocodoll will welcome any fashion problems, dilemmas and general queries. Things like “where can I get my clothes altered?” or “what shops stock small size shoes?”

So what are Kay’s fashion must haves:

• Smart jacket/blazer – can be worn formally with trousers, or casually with jeans or a dress.

• Good pair of jeans – very durable, can be worn smart or casual. With heels, flats or trainers! Can be worn with a shirt or hoody!!!

• A good quality dress – either a smock dress (be careful on pattern), brilliant for wearing with jeans or leggings/tights, or a maxi dress, brilliant for being durable and creating a striking look! Both teamed up with the right accessories can create many changeable looks.

• Shoes – I would recommend investing in a pair of heels (if you can wear them), and most definitely a nice pair of sandals.

• Vest top or plain fitted top – can be worn with a suit or casual with jeans or linen.

Another fab accessory which is a must, is a pashmina or printed scarf. These can give detail to a plain top or dress!

And remember... EXPERIMENT!!!