Meet the Founder of May Marigold

In the often grey and uninspiring world of products for people with disabilities, May Marigold stands out as a vibrant beacon of creativity and inclusion in the world of adaptive fashion.

Founded by designer May Gauntlett who understands the unique challenges people face in finding fashionable adaptive clothing, May Marigold is all about radiating joy and boosting dopamine through bright and innovative designs. 

Launched in 2024 at The Inclusive Fashion Show in Manchester, this brand was inspired by May’s own experiences living with multiple complex disabilities. In replacing the endless search for suitable clothing they empower through fun adaptive fashion. Celebrating diversity and individuality through community workshops, May Marigold takes existing garments and ‘upcycles’ them to create affordable co-designed items. These thoughtfully designed adaptive clothing items boosts the visibility of authentic inclusive fashion and ensures everyone is included.

In their commitment to sustainable practices, May Marigold’s adaptation service encourages anyone to modify their wardrobe to remove barriers, making them wearable for all. This not only promotes eco-conscious practices but also embraces the idea that fashion can spark joy, be sustainable and give that opportunity for meaningful expression while remaining affordable. 

May also offers guidance to larger brands towards inclusive design practices with the “I Want Something Special” service. Customers collaborate directly with May to create unique outfits tailored to their needs and identities. This popular service addresses a crucial gap in the market: the desire for clothing that genuinely reflects who they are and fits their lifestyles.

Colour plays a vital role as a powerful form of self-expression and May Marigold is definitely never grey! For May, colour goes beyond the aesthetic choice but is applied in a way to enhance function and facilitate a sense of identity. 

“Working with colour means so much to me. For me I use it as a form of self expression and colour and what you are wearing has a huge impact on how you function. Colour is really important in my designs as it's so often left out or left as an afterthought in the adaptive fashion market. Colour has the power to allow a person to feel like themselves and that's why I love using it so much!” 

The mantra “nothing about us without us” is central to the brand philosophy and is actively applied by seeking input from individuals with lived experience, for authentic clothing that truly reflects the needs of those they aim to serve. In the often-muted landscape of adaptive fashion, May Marigold strives to infuse their designs with brightness and vibrancy, allowing individuals to express themselves fully through what they wear.  

The future of adaptive fashion is bright, colourful, and full of creative possibilities. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on fashion that embraces inclusivity and diversity, check out May Marigold.