i'm May Gauntlett, a vibrant and passionate designer who is dedicated to making the world of fashion more inclusive for everyone. As the founder of May Marigold CIC, an adaptive fashion social enterprise, my mission is to create colourful, adaptive clothing that celebrates individuality and empowers people with disabilities.
Living with various disabilities has deeply shaped my perspective, fueling my creativity and enhancing my understanding of what true accessibility looks like. Fashion should be a joyful form of self-expression, and I strive to infuse every piece I create with brightness and personality, reflecting the beauty of the diversity around us.
Through my work, I aim to challenge the conventional perceptions of disability, using my designs to make powerful statements about inclusivity and the celebration of differences. My commitment to sustainable and functional fashion drives me to conduct community workshops, upcycle clothing, and develop a fun, accessible clothing line that meets the diverse needs of individuals.
My journey is grounded in a deep commitment to positivity and empowerment, aiming to create a ripple effect that inspires and uplifts disabled communities across the UK. Together, we can transform the fashion landscape into one that is truly inclusive and colourful!
Maygauntlett@gmail.com
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion (2021-2025), Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich, UK . Honours: 1st Honours
British Sign Language Level 1 and 2 (2026), Signature
HASOU Professional Portfolio and Fashion Development Course (2026)
Certified Specialist Programme in Adaptive Clothing Design Principles (2025)
A-levels (2019-2021): Sussex. Textiles(A), Computer Science(B), IT (Level 3 - Distinction*)
GCSEs (2017-2019): Sussex. 8 GCSEs at grades 4-7, including maths and English.
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I have worked with May in her role as a fashion designer and as a research associate. In both roles she has excelled. Her creative and co-created adaptive fashion collection is bright, innovative, and accommodates a wide range of disabilities. And most of all its fun and comfortable to wear. In her role as research associate, she has kept a complex and fast-moving research project on track. She created a fabulous project logo. The project's website is so well organised and visually professional. It has been a joy and honour to work with them.
Katherine Deane
Associate Professor and Access Ambassador at the University of East Anglia
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Shortlisted for The Heart of Gold Award, one of the categories in The Small Awards (2026)
Runner-up Norwich Freemen's Award for Creative Entrepreneur (2026)
HASOU Fashion Academy Scholarship (2025)
The Nelson's Spirit Future Leaders Award (2025)
East Anglia Art Fund - Dubery Brogden Scholarships (EAAF) (2022-2025)
Founder/Adaptive Fashion Designer, May Marigold CIC, Norwich, 08/24 – Present
Disability inclusion/ Business Management / Leadership / Fashion design / Co-design / Social media management / Workshop design and facilitation
Design Fellow, OpenStyleLab, London, 05/26 – 09/26
Rethinking formalwear through a co-design lens, bringing together designers, engineers, and people with lived experience to create solutions
Research Associate, University of East Anglia, Norwich, 05/25 – 12/25
Assessed the accessibility of shared resource laboratories, including their structures, equipment, and booking and use protocols. Working with data and conducting reviews and interviews leading to publications.
Gallery Assistant, Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich, 12/22 – 05/25
Invigilating the gallery, organising ambassadors, liaising with artists and researchers and ensuring the space ran smoothly.
Creative Fashion Intern, Unhidden, London, 09/23 – 12/23
Created online content, including planning, preparing, and supporting the shoot for a winter campaign, along with an influencer marketing strategy.
Design Assistant, Guardi / Vhouse of apparel, Norwich, 01/22 – 09/22
Retail Assistant, Schuh, Norwich 09/22 – 08/23
Stylist Assistent, Moss Bross, Norwich 11/21 – 05/22