Style and comfort have always been of equal priority for me. I got my first pair of Converse All Stars at the mall in Indiana in the 1980s. They were teal and yellow – I would fold the lip of the hi-top over to show off the lemony interior. For my wedding, I wore low-top leather Converse with my white dress. I’ve walked across cities from Rome to Mumbai, Chicago to Oslo – all while wearing Converse, or Fly London boots – looking for vintage one-offs and secondhand gems, clothes made to last.In 2021, aged 41, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a degenerative disease that resulted in symptoms including difficulty moving, especially walking. Dystonia is a common symptom for those of us with young onset Parkinson’s; it involves the involuntary and painful twisting of parts of the body. In my case, dystonia occurs in my back, hands, feet and ankles. When my medications aren’t working, or when I’m tired – and more so as the disease progresses – this drastically curtails my mobility and dexterity. My toes grip the earth, my ankles frequently and painfully roll, sometimes I stumble and nearly or actually fall. It is mentally and physically exhausting, and the pain can take my breath away.As well as affecting my mobility, Parkinson’s also began to transform my relationship with clothes. Soon after my diagnosis, I found that my beloved All Stars had become no good for walking. They induced the twisting in my toes, possibly because the soles were flexible and light. Fly boots were also treacherous: the wedge soles created a high-stakes perch from which my ankles would collapse. NHS orthotics didn’t fit in either brand.My footwear shift began after a transatlantic flight. A fellow traveller, also using special assistance, shared his tip: Nike tactical boots have stiff soles and lace-up ankle support. I began to wear those instead, progressing to Nike Dunk Highs. Soon, I wore nothing else.View image in fullscreen‘Soon, I wore nothing else’ … Kimberly Campanello, left, wearing Dunks, with her friend, the poet Dimitra Xidous, in Volturara Appula, Italy, 2024.Photograph: Courtesy of Kimberly CampanelloThe Flys and All Stars languished in my closet; I found it hard to accept that I would never wear them again. I had clothes, too, that were no longer comfortable – but for so long those shoes had felt like “me”. So much of my life had changed already, and they were a part of my identity I wasn’t willing to sacrifice.A friend suggested selling pieces I no longer wore on Vinted. I listed everything that now made movement difficult and received warm and grateful reviews from those who bought them. I did the same as a buyer, turning to Vinted for my new obsessions: one-of-a-kind funky shirts to wear under longish jackets. Layering helps regulate temperature fluctuations that arise due to Parkinson’s and the side-effects of my medication.I didn’t touch my old shoes for almost a year – not until the time came to invest in a new pair of Nikes. I saw how much my beloved boots could fetch and made a reluctant listing. In a single day, all the Flys were gone.The Converse took longer. I had priced them high, very high – to me, they were priceless. I watched them sit motionless in my real and virtual wardrobes until I received an offer on a grey pair. I accepted. It was the first pair I let go and I wrote a personal note to the buyer, explaining why I would be sad to give them up.A reply arrived, embellished with sweet emojis. The buyer was also a longtime All Stars-wearer; she had just worn through a much-loved pair in the same colour. She sympathised with my reluctance to part with my favourite footwear and told me to keep well. Over time, I connected with other buyers, who also shared stories of illness, bodily change and evolving personal style.These days, I wear whichever shoes give me comfort, aware that this too may evolve over time. I don’t walk as far as I used to, but I still seek out clothes and shoes that will go the distance. I have gained a greater understanding of the things that trip us up, that cause more pain, and what we must choose to let go, as well as the power of kind words to move us, and to keep us moving forward.An Interesting Detail by Kimberly Campanello is published by Bloomsbury (£10.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy atguardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
A moment that changed me: I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 41 – and had to find a new look
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Living with Parkinson's: A Journey of Style and Adaptation"
The Guardian
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
In 2021, Kimberly Campanello was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 41, a condition that significantly impacted her mobility and overall lifestyle. Previously, she had a strong connection to her footwear, particularly her beloved Converse All Stars and Fly London boots, which had accompanied her on countless adventures around the world. However, the onset of Parkinson's brought about symptoms such as dystonia, which caused involuntary twisting and pain in her feet and ankles. These symptoms made her cherished shoes unwearable, as they exacerbated her condition and hindered her ability to walk comfortably. The transition away from these shoes was not merely a practical decision; it represented a shift in her identity and style, forcing her to confront the emotional attachment she had to them as part of her self-expression.
As she navigated her new reality, Campanello found solace in adapting her wardrobe to accommodate her changing needs. A fellow traveler suggested Nike tactical boots, which provided the necessary support and stability, leading her to discover Nike Dunk Highs as her new go-to footwear. This shift required her to reevaluate her relationship with clothing and footwear, as she began to sell her old shoes on Vinted, connecting with others who shared similar stories of transformation and adaptation due to illness. Through this process, she learned to let go of items that no longer served her, while also embracing the power of supportive words and shared experiences. Ultimately, Campanello's journey illustrates a profound understanding of the need to adapt to life's changes, while still seeking comfort and individuality in her personal style amidst the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease.
TruthLens AI Analysis
This personal narrative explores the profound impact of a Parkinson’s diagnosis on an individual’s identity, particularly their relationship with fashion and mobility. The author’s journey from vibrant self-expression through clothing to the pragmatic necessity of functional footwear underscores the broader challenges faced by those with degenerative diseases.
Shifting Priorities: Fashion vs. Function
The article begins by establishing the author’s lifelong passion for style, symbolized by Converse sneakers and vintage finds. This sets up a stark contrast with the reality post-diagnosis, where dystonia and mobility issues forced a reevaluation of footwear choices. The transition from fashion-forward to medically practical shoes (Nike tactical boots, Dunk Highs) highlights the often-overlooked daily adaptations required by chronic illness.
Emotional and Physical Toll
Descriptions of pain, exhaustion, and the fear of falling reveal the invisible struggles of Parkinson’s. The author’s candidness about medication limitations and progressive symptoms fosters empathy, drawing attention to the emotional weight of losing bodily autonomy. This section humanizes the disease beyond clinical definitions.
Broader Implications for Disability Representation
The piece subtly critiques societal norms around disability and fashion. By documenting the lack of suitable orthotic options in mainstream brands, it exposes gaps in inclusive design. The anecdote about learning from a fellow traveler underscores community-driven solutions in the absence of systemic support.
Potential Motivations Behind the Story
While the article primarily serves as a personal reflection, its publication in a mainstream platform may aim to raise awareness about young-onset Parkinson’s. It could also advocate for more adaptive clothing lines, aligning with broader disability rights movements. There’s no evident manipulative intent; the narrative feels authentic, focusing on individual resilience rather than pushing a hidden agenda.
Manipulation and Reliability Assessment
The lack of sensationalism or political/economic undertones suggests low manipulative potential. The story’s value lies in its authenticity, offering a window into lived experience rather than shaping perceptions for ulterior motives. Its reliability is high, as it aligns with known Parkinson’s symptoms and the broader discourse on disability and design.
Cultural and Social Resonance
This piece likely resonates with communities affected by chronic illness, disability advocates, and those interested in inclusive fashion. It doesn’t directly impact economics or politics but contributes to cultural conversations about accessibility and identity.
AI and Narrative Style
The introspective, first-person voice doesn’t exhibit overt AI hallmarks like repetitive phrasing or unnatural transitions. If AI were involved, it might have been used for minor edits or structuring, but the emotional depth suggests human authorship.