Chamiah Dewey
CEO and founder of Chamiah Dewey Fashion, disability trainer, and changemaker at Chamiah Dewey fashion
Visual Arts, Fashion and Design
My journey in the world of fashion and disability advocacy has been both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling. As the founder of Chamiah Dewey Fashion, I am incredibly proud of the strides I have made since CDF’s inception in October 2020, while studying at the renowned London College of Fashion. But it was in 2018, through a working relationship with a young person with dwarfism, that I discovered my passion for creating clothing that caters to the needs of people of short stature, igniting a flame of purpose that continues to burn brightly to this day.
The core of my career has been centered around breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in the fashion industry. From the outset, my mission was to improve the positive representation of short stature individuals through beautifully crafted and accessible clothing. This vision has earned Chamiah Dewey Fashion numerous awards, including the DBACE Made for Good Award, the Pour Moi Uplifting Women Awards, and the London College of Fashion Creative Enterprise Challenge. As well as showing at London Fashion Week in Sept 22 and again in Feb 23, with viral videos amassing over 100 million views across the globe. These achievements and accolades stand as a testament to the impact I am making in the disability advocacy space, bringing much-needed attention to the unique fashion needs of this community.
Through my work, I have aimed to give a voice to those who have long been marginalised and forgotten in the fashion world. By designing, developing, and bringing clothing to the market that caters specifically to people under 150cm, we have made strides towards empowering individuals and boosting their confidence and comfort. Witnessing the positive transformations in the lives of those we serve fuels my passion for this cause and reinforces the belief that fashion can be a powerful tool for social change.
As I reflect on my journey, I recall my favourite proverb, “plant trees under whose shade you shall not sit” it reminds me that even the smallest actions can ripple outward and create a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.
My determination comes from the smiling faces of those whose lives have been positively influenced by Chamiah Dewey Fashion. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs motivate me to push the boundaries further, striving for a world that embraces diversity and inclusivity in every aspect, including fashion.
Now, as we embark on the next phase of our journey, we are gearing up for a significant leap forward. We are currently in the process of a seed investment round, aiming to scale Chamiah Dewey Fashion to the global market. Our dream is to make short stature clothing a permanent fixture
“Being included in the Disability Power 2023 is not just an honour; it is a testament to the progress we have made as a community and a reminder of the impact we can have when we come together. Through empathy, understanding, and determination, we can create a society where disabled and short stature individuals are respected and valued.”
Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.
Image Credit: Tom Buller Photography
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