Ellie Cole is one of Australian sport’s most recognisable faces.
With a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals and an Order of Australia to her name, the 31-year-old is the country’s most decorated female Paralympic athlete.
A year after announcing her retirement from the pool, Ellie is now exploring the world of fashion, playing with ways to show off her personality outside of the sport that make her a household name.
“I used to exclusively dress in sportswear as an athlete…my wardrobe has undergone a major internal renovation over the last twelve months as I explore different fashion trends,” she tells marie claire Australia.
Her go-to looks right now? The Brave New Classics collection from Tommy Hilfiger.
Taking inspiration from vintage Tommy Hilfiger looks, the brand’s newest collection forms the building blocks of the classic preppy wardrobe, featuring rich autumnal neutral tones and pops of the season’s standout colours.
With a focus on texture play and modern tailored silhouettes, the collection is perfectly suited to Ellie’s evolving sense of style.
“My style is simple and versatile, with most items in my wardrobe made from quality materials that are both durable and sustainable,” she says.
“I have plenty of elegant pieces as well, but I tend to dress in a style that makes me feel comfortable.”
The Modern Woman’s Wardrobe
From relaxed-fit trousers, oversized blazers and wool varsity jackets to New York-style puffers, feminine draped cowl-neck bouses and sweater dresses, the collection redefines the preppy aesthetic, with pieces functioning as both everyday essentials and refined comfort wear.
But it’s not just the latest collection that has caught Ellie’s eye: the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive range means she can still express herself with fashion-forward pieces that are designed to make dressing easier for those with disabilities.
“Many mainstream clothing brands often overlook the needs of people with disabilities and as a result, there are limited options,” she says.
“When a well-known brand—like Tommy Hilfiger—embraces the adaptive market, it encourages more designers to follow suit.
“The consumer who needs adaptive fashion the most will feel confident, comfortable and proud of their unique fashion choices, which, in turn, has a ripple effect for a more inclusive society that values and celebrates diversity.”
Style Without Limits
First launched in 2016, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive features the same classic American cool the brand is known for, with modifications that promote ease of movement, like easy closures, seated-wear solutions and fits for prosthetics.
“There is often a lack of understanding from individuals who haven’t grown up with a disability as to what kind of challenges we face when it comes to fashion or style,” says Ellie.
“Disability sits on quite a wide spectrum, and many of us can struggle with sensory sensitivities, dexterity or balance.
“Personally, I find myself in a constant battle with a prosthetic, as I am unable to point my toes. Trying to remove my pants is like that scene from Friends when Ross is desperately trying to fit a large couch through a small stairwell!”
Having options available that suit her needs means Ellie’s list of wardrobe essentials is rapidly expanding.
“I have a love-hate relationship with pants as materials tend to catch on my prosthetic and rip easily, but this has been addressed in the Tommy Adaptive range,” she shares.
“The Fluid Wide Leg Pant makes it easy for me to dress due to the adaptive modifications, and they are very comfortable and lightweight.
“I always receive positive comments on the Belted Floral Stripe Dress and people are always amazed when I proudly tell them the buttons are magnetic!”
Confidence Is Key
For Ellie, having clothing options—from both the Tommy Hilfiger Brave New Classics and Adaptive collections—that suit her needs and style helps to bolster her self-confidence.
No stranger to negative thoughts, despite her successful swimming career, she has an understanding that celebrating the “small wins”, in all areas of life, can go a long way in improving our self-acceptance.
“You can usually find ten things you are doing well to offset any negative self-criticism,” she advises.
Her experiences have also helped her in becoming a passionate voice and advocate for disability, inclusion, equality and women’s rights.
“Often, disability comes with challenges as we try to navigate a world that isn’t made for us… but this gives us a unique experience that we can use to connect with others and create some positive change,” she says.
“To any reader that is struggling with self-acceptance, understand that there is no greater honour or privilege than to embrace the parts of ourselves that we find undesirable, and to use these to be vulnerable, connect with others and to be human, in the best way possible.”
Brought to you by Tommy Hilfiger.
The Brave New Classics Fall 2023 Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear collection forms the building blocks of the classic preppy wardrobe. The collection takes vintage inspiration, featuring nods to the archive and new takes on timeliness styles. Explore the collection—and the new Adaptive range—online now.
Tommy Hilfiger is one of the world’s most recognized premium lifestyle brands, uplifting and inspiring consumers since 1985. The brand creates iconic style, which comes alive at the intersection of the classic and the new, co-created with people who are shaping culture around the world. Tommy Hilfiger celebrates the essence of classic American style with a modern twist, offering premium quality and value to consumers worldwide, and offers a breadth of collections including men’s, women’s and kids’ sportswear, denim, accessories, and footwear.
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