Fashion Week is certainly a visually stimulating experience, with picturesque models, intricate set designs, and of course, the world's most amazing fashion collections. But what about the participants who do not get to see these pieces?

While visually impaired people dress like everyone else, they are often excluded from mainstream fashion. [But at this season's Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW), designer Sinéad O'Dwyer addressed this very issue. O'Dwyer has created a Spring/Summer 2025 collection that puts visually impaired fashion enthusiasts front and center, and has teamed up with the Denmark Association for the Visually Impaired and the nonprofit organization Hair and Care to bring her latest collection, Everything Opens To Touch, to a wider audience.

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Known for her frequent use of strappy tights, laser-cut dresses, and structured bustier bodices, the London-based designer specializes in texture. O'Dwyer's garments stimulate the senses of touch as well as sight, and for the July 7 runway show, the brand focused on this aspect, providing attendees with immersive audio descriptions and fabric swatches to accompany each look.

"By adding audio descriptions for the visually impaired, we can relay every piece as it walks down the runway and not miss a detail," says visually impaired advocate and influencer Belle Baxt. 'This makes the experience more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.' [Blind model Lucy Edwards walked the runway with her guide dog, Miss Molly. This was the first time a blind model has appeared at Copenhagen Fashion Week, setting a new precedent for inclusivity. Emma Mattel, the show's casting director, also worked with O'Dwyer to cast models of diverse body types and ages.

"Having blind runway models feels like a huge positive step in the right direction for representing the blind and low vision community in the fashion world," Bakst tells Marie Claire.

"People with visual impairments have been excluded from fashion for many years.

O'Dwyer's work is already considered groundbreaking. She received retailer Zalando's Visionary Award this season, spotlighting designers who exemplify creativity, social impact, and innovation. She has made her mark on fashion history.