By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Last month, Burlington fashion designer Joseph Tassoni presented Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation with a selection of inclusive inpatient gown covers for the mental health ward’s patients.
In September 2023, Tassoni held a fashion show, with part of the proceeds to benefit the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation. The original thought was for the money to go towards an update and revitalization of the therapeutic room in the mental health ward, but after he heard about the need for gown covers, Tassoni shifted his focus.
The gown covers were independently purchased by Tassoni, independent of his brand. The gown covers were made by the brand FX Made in Canada, located in Toronto and part of George Brown College’s Fashion Exchange, which is the manufacturer.
All of Tassoni’s own-label garments are produced exclusively in Canada, and his commitment to sustainability made FX a fitting source for his donation, as according to their website, they aim to foster an “increasingly sustainable, socially-conscious, and economically vibrant fashion industry.”
Tassoni said that it was important to keep in mind some of the sensitivities that inpatients may have to certain materials when designing the fabric.
“After having conversations with certain inpatients, from what I understand is that with the medications that they’re on, their skin can become very irritable to any type of synthetic blend [or] synthetic fibre,” Tassoni said. “So with this, what’s really wonderful is, as it is organic fibre, it allows that high breathability and minimizes any types of irritableness against the skin.”
Tassoni also didn’t want to buy from a big box store, as it’s paramount that any product he is involved with is made in Canada, as it ensures workers are paid fairly and are not exploited.
Because the material is made from natural fibres, the gown covers will not stand up to industrial washing like the regular gowns do and they will need to be replaced regularly. Tassoni estimates that they can withstand around 15 washes, after which they will need replacing.
Tassoni brought the first gown covers to the hospital in this first drop and will replenish them as needed, based on the volume required by the ward.
Tassoni’s belief in the importance of inclusivity extends beyond just the gown covers.
He offers inclusive clothes at his studio located at 390 Pearl St., including sizes from extra small up to 4x. They are also made to measure, making them gender- and size-inclusive.
Tassoni’s 2023 fashion show featured inclusive pieces and he intentionally selected models of various genders, sizes, and ethnicities to showcase his designs.
In Tassoni’s official statement on the collaboration, he teased his next fashion show and reiterated his devotion to the mental health cause.
“Last season’s show helped us merge the worlds of fashion and community care, making a meaningful and positive impact for our cause, mental health,” Tassoni said. “We look forward to the next Joseph Tassoni Runway and Charity Show scheduled for later this year.”
Correction notice: this article has been updated to include the full name of the brand, FX Made in Canada, and that the gown covers will be replenished as needed. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
