Samir Edwards-Sutton made a change after feeling “stressed”
A Liverpool man has taken matters into his own hands after feeling “completely uncomfortable” trying on clothes. Samir Edwards-Sutton, from Toxteth, said he wanted to make a change after being stressed while wandering the high street.
The 22-year-old, who now lives in Eastham, is a neurodiverse creative. He explained that the shopping experience isn’t the same for him, but he is willing to give “everything a try.” However, lately, with more free time after graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, Samir has reverted to making his own clothes for one particular reason.
The former fashion innovation student, who works at Cheshire Oak’s Levi’s store, told the ECHO: “I’d pop into the quieter shops on Bold Street and try the likes of TK Maxx and Flannels if I’m feeling brave enough. I avoid Primark just because of its sheer busyness. It’s difficult for me to cope with all the people in one spot.
“I shop all over and am willing to give every store a try. In-person shopping is so important for me because of my neurodiversity, as I can see how something looks, feels, and fits. Certain fabrics, especially shirts, and their touching make me rather stressed and completely uncomfortable. I might like the aesthetic of it but when I try it on, it’s completely different, and I feel I would never buy it.
“I also struggle with buttons because of my dyspraxia. If they are really small, I can’t work with them. In some instances, it has been so difficult that I have had to get someone else to dress me. Obviously, at this age, I want my own independence.”
Samir was first diagnosed with autism when he was 10 years old and then with dyspraxia and ADHD at 16. He has now created an autumn-winter fashion collection, which he hopes others in the same situation will appreciate.
The former Wallasey’s St Mary’s Catholic College student said: “I kind of woke up one day and said I wanted to do fashion, and now I’m here. As someone with autism, I have a tendency to mask certain traits to blend in with societal norms, and not always successful in attempting to.
“Many other neurodivergent and even neurotypical individuals do it. We all hide part of ourselves or imitate the behaviours of others to seem ‘normal’, and my collection will highlight that. My journey has led me to want to develop a brand that focuses on adapted design – making clothing more accommodating for anyone to wear.”
Samir’s designs will be featured in the city’s upcoming fashion show. Hosted by Amy Farrell and Mia Brent from Strike a Pose, the event is being held for Refugee Women Connect, a women-led organisation that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and survivors of trafficking.
Speaking about the Friday, March 7 event at Invisible Wind Factory, Mia told the ECHO: “It started as an idea between two best friends, who are medical students with no background in fashion, and it has become greater than we could have imagined.
“It promotes empowerment for all, including the women that Refugee Women Connect supports. With this year marking the anniversary of the charity, we thought there was no better way to celebrate.
“The fundraising environment is incredibly challenging in the current climate. With recent funding losses, it is more important than ever for us, as volunteer fundraising coordinators, to raise money and awareness for the mission.”
The charity provides life-changing support, having worked with just over 500 women in 2024 alone. Many of these women survived gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and FGM.
Mia added: “Fashion is a powerful tool that allows us to tell stories, challenge perceptions, and create change. Strike a Pose is more than just a fashion show; it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and empowerment, which allows voices that are often unheard to share stories that deserve space.”