Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth and Ayu from APSN, Ivana Dobnikar from IKKIKIDZ, Emma from ART:DIS and Gigi Teo from IKKIKIDZ at the i’mable Collective x Design Orchard Capsule Collection’s launch.

“This collection is our way of raising awareness of working with persons with disabilities, and encouraging society to care for and include them – a message that is very important to us.”

Founders of IKKIKIDZ, Gigi Teo and Ivana Dobnikar, built their brand around inclusivity and equality. It’s not your typical kids clothing brand. Designed for children with bold attitudes and a passion to “square up” to real-life issues, the brand uses sustainably-sourced bamboo viscose to create expressive and eco-friendly pieces.

When the opportunity to be part of the i’mable Collective x Design Orchard Capsule Collection came along in January 2024, they jumped at it. A partnership between i’mable Collective and the Singapore Fashion Council, the Call for Collaboration invited Singapore designers to train and hire persons with disabilities to co-create a unique collection and promote inclusivity in the design sector.

“We immediately knew we had to participate, because it aligns perfectly with our core values,” Gigi explains. Their vision was clear – their collection was designed to impart the skill of linocut art to makers with disabilities. 

Through SG Enable’s Enabling Academy, they took on the role of training provider and developed the ‘Linocut Art Workshop’ training programme to teach the intricate craft. Despite the challenges of mastering linocut, the duo persevered and found Emma from ART:DIS (Arts & Disability) Singapore, through i’mable Collective. IKKIKIDZ trained and hired Emma to produce the linocut prints and Ayu and Elizabeth from APSN to handle the printing.

ART:DIS Studio Artist Emma and her trainer Arzelle Van Der Merwe after the completion of her ‘Linocut Art Workshop’ training programme by IKKIKIDZ

Titled Don’t Play Play, the collection is a celebration of Singaporean childhood nostalgia. Drawing from five different key themes–Hood, Wild, Eat, Play and Live–the collection evokes memories of growing up, while showcasing the abilities of persons with disabilities.

Emma’s creativity shone as she drew inspiration from her own childhood memories to create the initial sketches. “We selected the final six designs together. Her talent is truly reflected in every piece,” Gigi shares. They also collaborated with Ayu and Elizabeth from APSN, who managed the intricate printing process with dedication and care. 

Emma testing her linocut design on paper (left), before it is printed onto the garment (right)

“I’ve met an excellent coach named Arzelle through the workshop with IKKIKIDZ, and she taught me how to do lino-cutting and printing on garments. I’ve also learnt to better cultivate patience in order to create beautiful art pieces,” Emma shares confidently.

While no two pieces will look the same, the steady hands and attention to detail of the three makers will see that each handmade piece is special in its own way. To make the collection more inclusive, IKKIKIDZ also worked with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) to make braille embossed prints on both the garments and hang tags, ensuring the collection’s story is accessible to everyone.

Braille embossed prints on the garments and hang tags in IKKIKIDZ’ collection

Through this collaboration, IKKIKIDZ is crafting a story of empowerment, reminding the world that fashion can inspire change, one print at a time.