Sinéad O’Dwyer Raises The Bar For Inclusivity On The Runway
Image Credits: James Cochrane
Sinéad O’Dwyer Raises The Bar For Inclusivity On The Runway
Text: Izzy Copestake
Fashion’s most inclusive designer reminds everyone why representation is essential.
Irish designer Sinéad O’Dwyer is widely recognized as the most inclusive force in fashion. Earlier this year, Vogue noted that she’d taken inclusivity “to the next frontier,” while Dazed highlighted her “wholehearted commitment to diversifying fashion week.” True to her reputation, O’Dwyer made history at Copenhagen Fashion Week by casting beauty influencer Lucy Edwards, who became the first blind person to model at the event, accompanied by her guide dog on the runway.
In 2024, there’s increasing expectations that brands and designers diversify their vision in terms of sizing to include runways filled with larger bodies. However, this diversification almost always fails to include disabled people. Sinéad O’Dwyer is demonstrating that everyone in the industry can, and should, do better.
Lucy Edwards, a blind influencer and journalist, stepped onto the runway in Copenhagen wearing a tailored, pleated, mini-skirt and a matching shirt with O’Dwyer’s signature cut out bust emphasising feminine expression. You’ve probably seen Lucy Edwards on TikTok, documenting how she does her makeup, hair, and other daily rituals with her disability. Edwards has also worked with brands such as Pantene in a “how a blind girl washes her hair” series.
The rest of the SS25 collection was equally innovative, as thick denim was exquisitely contoured to hug the unique curves and contours of each model’s body, and futuristic bloated ballerina pumps inspired by Irish dancing carried the models down the runway.
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