Alumna Alexandra Connell鈥檚 Online Store and New Pop-Up Specializes in Inclusive Design
Alexandra Connell, the founder of Patti + Ricky.
Alumna Alexandra Connell鈥檚 online store, specializes in apparel and accessories for the more than 50 million Americans with mental or physical disabilities. Featured on the website , Connell (M.A. 鈥�16), who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, 鈥渨as always keenly aware of how disabilities and looking or acting differently could have a major impact on a person鈥檚 life.鈥�
A graduate of TC鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Studies in Education program, Connell helped her mother find a stylish cane when she was in treatment for cancer. 鈥淐onnell wanted to apply her disability studies degree towards a shopping experience,鈥� WWD.com writes.
Launched about 10 months ago, Patti + Ricky sells apparel and accessories for women, men and children. Connell takes customers鈥� suggestions about what to sell on the website. 鈥� 鈥業f it exists, I try to find it for them,鈥� said Connell. 鈥榊ou have to have people with disabilities involved with the process.鈥� 鈥�
Customer favorites include Fidget jewelry and Braille printed jewelry, men鈥檚 shirts with magnetic closures and 鈥済ala-ready鈥� arm slings, WWD.com reports.
Connell plans to open a 鈥減op-up鈥� store in Grand Central Station, near an entrance for people with disabilities.