“Lifestyle blogger with a disabled twist”
Jessica Ping-Wild describes herself as a "lifestyle blogger with a disabled twist”. Currently living in London, she’s also a model, speaker, writer and lover of all things fashionable.
What does fashion mean to you?
To me, fashion is a window into someone's personality for the day. I feel like I, as a human being, have many layers. Some days I am can be quite fun, friendly, and approachable, and other days I feel more confident and sassy. I believe that my wardrobe helps me embody the person that I want to be on any given day.
How would you describe your personal style?
Classy, comfortable, and feminine with a touch of my own personal pizazz! I don't particularly have a set style as I dress for how I want to feel on any given day. But, if I had to describe it, this would be it!
Your content is focused on self-acceptance and body positivity, can you tell us why that’s important to you?
I grew up having never seen anyone like myself in any form of media, advertising, or even really confidently out and about on the street. Because of this, I developed a straight dislike for myself and my body. These negative feelings impacted the way I saw myself as a friend, a student, a romantic partner, a daughter, and a professional. My Instagram, therefore, aims to do two things above anything else:
i. Showcase a loud and proud disabled woman living her wild and messy life unapologetically
ii. Serve as an important reminder to my audience, disabled or not, of the importance of self-love in our lives. The way we view ourselves can impact every other aspect of our existence. When you accept yourself and start living your life for YOU, you liberate yourself from the bonds of society and can really start coming into your full potential.
Any style tips or dressing hacks that you can share?
I don't know if it's a tip necessarily, but my attitude towards fashion has changed massively in the last year. I used to view clothes as only an essential part of human function. It wasn't until the pandemic that I realized that my wardrobe has the potential to help me embody my best self. I used to let some of my favorite pieces in my closet sit around unworn for months afraid of wearing them out or ruining them in some way. What a silly mindset this was. Now, even if I am just having an easy day at home, I wear something that fills me up. Life's too short not to feel your best as often as possible.
Where do you love to shop? Any piece of clothing currently in your ‘shopping cart’?
If I'm back home in the US, then my favorite store is Express. And if I am here in the UK, then I'd say either Zara or HM.
What advice would you give to brands looking to be more adaptive and inclusive?
I would tell brands to HIRE DISABLED PEOPLE to work on every stage of the design/retail process. Whether you hire someone as a consultant, you bring on a particular designer, a model for your ad campaign, or someone behind the scenes to work as an employee for your brand, it is essential that companies start valuing our voices and including us in these important conversations.
What are your hopes for the future of the fashion industry?
My hopes for the fashion industry are always the same, to include disabled people seamlessly into every part of the fashion experience. Ideally, I'd like to see more sustainability features, including a stronger emphasis on slow fashion, and more accessible prices for adaptive and sustainable clothing, on the high street!
Check out Jessica’s lifestyle blog: therollingexplorer.com
Follow Jessica: @therollingexplorer