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WORDS BYLINE: Vanessa Papas A South Yorkshire vlogger with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has shared why the leopard print unitard has become her favourite item in her wardrobe. Tess Daly of Sheffield has a passion for fashion that can't be tamed. The 35-year-old beauty and fashion influencer’s fierce style and makeup looks have garnered 4.9 million likes on TikTok and 196k followers on Instagram. And when it comes to clothing, only one print is top of the spots for Tess – leopard. "I'm obsessed with leopard print. It's bold, it's glamorous, and it makes me feel powerful. For me, leopard is a neutral – it goes with everything!" Tess exclaimed, “I think there's this misconception that disabled people should dress conservatively or blend into the background. But why not stand out? Why not have fun with fashion and express yourself?” Tess was diagnosed with SMA Type Two when she was 18 months old. This rare condition causes muscle weakness and atrophy. "I seemed like a perfectly healthy baby until just before my second birthday,” she explained. “The doctors told my mum not to worry at first. They said I was just a 'lazy baby', but it soon became clear that it was something more serious." SMA is caused by a defect in the SMN1 gene which produces a protein essential for motor neurons. Without this protein, these neurons deteriorate, causing muscle weakness. In Tess’s case, both her parents were carriers of the SMA gene, although neither showed any symptoms themselves. “It turned out that both my mum and dad were carriers of the SMA gene, with a one in four chance of their children having SMA,” she shared. “My childhood was filled with good memories and laughter. I was never bullied or picked on.” She excelled at school and graduated with a degree in psychology and criminology, planning for a career with the probation service. But as her condition worsened, she decided the job would be too physically demanding and threw herself into beauty and fashion instead. Tess continued: “SMA affects different people to varying degrees. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was adapting to changes in my condition. I woke up one morning, and my right arm, which had always been functional enough to sketch, suddenly stopped working. Luckily, I still have limited mobility and strength in my arms and legs, so I can feed myself, steer my electric wheelchair and use my mobile - but that's about it!" Tess pointed out how advancements in wheelchair attachments have allowed her to continue creating makeup tutorials. “I discovered a wheelchair attachment called the Neater Eater, which functions as a 'bionic arm'. While it's mostly designed for eating, it’s invaluable for applying makeup, allowing me to fine-tune my beauty skills,” Tess enthused. "Now I don't even need to use my robotic arm when I'm putting together a tutorial. I've mastered the art of turning my arms into a living tripod." Tess uses her social media to challenge perceptions of disability and showcase her personality and style. Her Instagram feed is filled with fabulous leopard looks, from cosy sweaters to slinky dresses. But she has a few must-have pieces she can't live without. “First on my list is a leopard print unitard,” gushed Tess. “I got mine from Public Desire, and I’m obsessed. It’s super comfy but also such a statement piece. I love wearing it with this black leather jacket from Pretty Little Thing when I go on nights out. You can rock it with an oversized denim jacket and trainers for a casual day look or glam it up with some strappy heels (mine are from ASOS) and some statement earrings, too. Some people might think it’s too much but I say go big or go home!” she laughed. But Tess’s love of leopard doesn’t stop at clothing and accessories. “I even have leopard print sheets and pillowcases,” she admitted. “What can I say? I’m committed to the aesthetic.” While Tess clearly has fun with fashion, she is also passionate about representation and challenging stereotypes around disability. “When I was growing up, I never saw anyone who looked like me in magazines or on TV,” she said. “Now I have a platform where people can see that disabled people can be stylish, sexy and confident — we’re not just inspirational stories; we’re consumers with our own tastes and buying power.” Tess has worked with major brands such as Boohoo and has partnered with makeup companies to produce accessible beauty products. “The ‘purple pound’ is worth billions,” she said, referring to the spending power of disabled people. “Smart brands are finally starting to recognise that.” So what’s Tess’s advice for those who want to incorporate more leopard print into their winter wardrobes? “Start small if you’re nervous - maybe a leopard print scarf or bag,” she suggested. “But honestly, I think life’s too short not to wear what makes you happy.” Featuring: Tess Daly When: 04 Sep 2024 Credit: @‌tess_daly/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. 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