Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) has long dazzled attendees with its stunning models, elaborate set designs, and world-class fashion collections. However, the event has historically overlooked those who are visually impaired, leaving them out of the fashion experience.
This season, designer Sinéad O’Dwyer is changing that narrative. Her Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Everything Opens To Touch,” is tailored to engage visually impaired fashion enthusiasts. Partnering with the Danish Association of the Blind and the non-profit Hair and Care, O’Dwyer is making her latest collection accessible to a broader audience.
O’Dwyer, known for her textured designs, such as strappy tights and laser-cut dresses, integrates touch into her fashion creations. At the July 7 runway show, she enhanced the experience for all attendees by offering audio descriptions and fabric swatches that matched each runway look.
Belle Bakst, a visual disability advocate, praised the initiative, saying, “Adding audio descriptions for those with visual disabilities ensures that every detail of the runway pieces is conveyed. This makes the experience more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.”
The show also featured a groundbreaking moment with blind model Lucy Edwards walking the runway with her guide dog, Miss Molly. This marked the first time a blind model has participated in Copenhagen Fashion Week, setting a new standard for inclusivity. Casting director Emma Matell collaborated with O’Dwyer to showcase models of various body types and ages.
Bakst, speaking to Marie Claire, highlighted the significance of the inclusion: “Featuring a blind runway model is a significant step forward for representation in fashion. For years, people with visual disabilities have been excluded from the fashion world, and we hope other fashion weeks will adopt similar practices to normalize this inclusivity.”
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