Disabled activists and icons shine on the covers of British Vogue as the conversation around inclusivity and representation in media takes progressive steps!
Global (27 April, 2023) – Despite being ‘ahead of the curve’ when it comes to all things style and trend, the fashion industry has long been stuck in the past when it comes to its muses. Thanks to people in the industry speaking out, things are changing for the better, with more inclusivity than ever gracing cover pages.
British Vogue recently unveiled covers dedicated to Disabled activists and game-changers. The May Issue is helping to turn the page on what’s deemed iconic, showcasing people who’ve navigated an abled world and empowered others through their own grace and grit.
According to British Vogue editor, Ghana-born Edward Enninful, the issue was “one of the proudest moments of [his] career”.
The series of portraits focuses on a range of incredible people.
There’s Justina Miles who you might recall as the star sign language interpreter from Rihanna’s Superbowl show. Aaron Rose Philip, a physically Disabled model who inspired other models to break the industry’s glass ceiling.
Actress Selma Blair who has multiple sclerosis, Ellie Goldstein, a British model with Down syndrome whose dreams changed the conversation for so many, and consulting editor Sinead Burke who was paramount to making the issue happen.
“What we created on set felt so important, but we knew it was a start, not a destination.”—Sinead Burke.
The ‘Reframing Fashion: Dynamic, Daring & Disabled” issue is something of a love letter to all the people who never saw themselves in beauty standards, and what many hope will be a new chapter for the industry.
And, it’s also been praised for going against the grain of gimmicks, using difference as the main story as opposed a token for brands to appear inclusive. Enninful even went as far as to reject advertising from major fashion houses who don’t align with his vision for inclusivity.
The series will feature 19 Disabled trailblazers across fields—from artists and comedians to racecar drivers like Nicolas Hamilton who has Cerebral Palsy.
As Burke shared, this Issue is the start of what will hopefully open a door that’s been locked for too long, for too many.
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