Accessories are often the most fun part of getting dressed. A great bag, a pair of statement earrings, or the right sunglasses can transform an entire outfit. Designer Destiny Pinto believes that same creative freedom should extend to another category of accessories that are rarely designed with style in mind: assistive devices.

While studying at the University of the Arts London, Pinto was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and began wearing compression gloves to manage the pain and swelling in her hands. The gloves worked, but their clinical appearance made the designer feel like they were meant to be hidden. As a student, Pinto started experimenting with how to redesign the gloves she regularly relies on to also feel stylish, personal, and fun to wear.

That idea eventually became By Destiny Pinto, a UK-based label that reimagines assistive devices like compression gloves, ostomy bags, and hearing aids through a fashion lens. Below, Teen Vogue talks with Pinto about turning a personal health challenge into a brand, the scrappy process behind her first designs, and why disability should never limit self-expression.

Teen Vogue: Were you always into fashion growing up?

Destiny Pinto: I’ve always loved fashion. I’d be in the back of my classroom sketching fashion illustrations instead of focusing on what was being spoken about.

As I grew up I loved fashion, but accessories, particularly. My clothes are more basic and neutral, but accessories are where I love going all out; like, I’d go Vinted or Depop-hunting to find the cutest bags and shoes. Me and my friends, we love our kitten heels and our bags. [Laughs]

TV: When did the idea for By Destiny Pinto start to take shape?

DP: It all started because of the pandemic. People had a lot of stress and anxiety, and mine manifested in physical symptoms. I noticed pain in my hands and knees. I’d go to the doctor and they’d tell me it was carpal tunnel syndrome and to stay off my phone. And then I went to [University of the Arts London] and just continued studying, going out, partying, and kind of ignoring this thing that was happening in my body. As you can imagine, the more I ignored it, the worse it got.

It came to a breaking point at the end of first year of university. Finally, I went to the emergency room and put my foot down.… They ran tests and found out it was rheumatoid arthritis (RA)…. My mom has a background in medicine, so she helped a lot with figuring out what foods to eat and what foods to cut out.… [I also started wearing a compression glove.]