Ben de Lisi comes to the aid of the NHS

The most stylish thing about it is the fact that it covers the front and the back, avoiding the dreaded peek-a-boo-behind effect, and thereby giving hospital patients a (perhaps long overdue) touch of dignity. The gown, instead of remaining open at the back, opens down each side and across one shoulder with a series of cool polymer press studs, enabling medical access in conjunction with the comfort of the patient.

Other touches make it infinitely preferable to the original, not least of which is the sensitive and creative combination of simple polycotton shirting fabric (in a lovely minty print) and the soft, white, cotton jersey which forms the neckline, giving greater comfort and ease of movement (and wicked style) to the whole. In fact, it is so nice looking, and so stylish, that one could confidently put it on with some skinny jeans and a cinch belt and pop out for coffee at some trendy establishment.

In a true break from typical catwalk size-ism, the notes that accompany the Universal Gown’s display in the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year exhibition at the Design Museum in London explain that ‘additional side panels can be fitted to accommodate large patients.’ How generous. Although, I can’t help wondering if that will be sufficient. After all, it is the simplicity of the original design that recommends its use in all situations in hospital – it can fit a great range of sizes because it is essentially just a sheet with arm holes. I also wonder if the additional complications of Ben de Lisi’s gown – although evidently beneficial – might not make its use in hospitals a little bit impractical. There was some talk in the description of the gown’s use, for example, of hospital employees being careful to put the gown on the patient the right way round, to align the shoulder opening with the medical equipment by the bed. This sounds a little finicky. Mightn’t the hospital staff sometimes be in a teensy bit of a hurry?

The other problem of course is that the thing is so lovely looking that no one will ever want to use it in hospital for fear of getting something unpleasant on it. People will want to keep it for best. Especially as it is a Ben de Lisi.

The Universal Gown was nominated by David Kester, chief executive of the Design Council, who said: ‘We will all have personal experience of being in hospital and when it is my turn I know I’ll be grateful that designers have had the opportunity to deliver this new gown.’

I am grateful too – but when will the gown be available in Debenhams?

By Natalie Gowans

Memoirs of a Fashion Industry Failurev