This week, British fashion retailer ASOS quietly introduced a new model to its roster, Natasha Ghouri, whose cochlear implant — a surgically implanted hearing device for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing — was as much on view in the brand’s e-commerce photos as the mushroom-shaped hoop earring she was modeling. Naturally, the responses on Twitter were overwhelmingly positive.
“Definitely not crying because of ASOS using an earring model with a hearing aid,” tweeted Asia Smith. “It’s so refreshing to see this kind of representation for people like me.” Smith’s tweet now has over 32,000 likes and more than 1,000 retweets. Another user, Samina Sheikh, wrote, “This is fantastic to see… My daughter is a cochlear implant-user, [who is] also deaf from birth. This is so inspiring, well done, ASOS,” while another, Georgia May, wrote, “This hits so deep! We need more models [who are deaf or hard-of-hearing]. We need more real-life models. It isn’t something to hide. It makes people with hearing aids, like myself, feel so good.”
“Assistive technology is normal, and it’s great to see it in the zeitgeist,” Stephanie Thomas, of disability fashion styling platform Cur8able, tells Refinery29. Howard A. Rosenblum, the CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, too, thinks normalizing the use of models who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in campaigns is one of the keys to destigmatizing it. “When we, deaf and hard-of-hearing people, see other deaf and hard-of-hearing people out in the mainstream, we feel seen,” he says. “Such representations celebrate our ‘differences’ which help others realize that we’re not so different.”
Well done @ASOS for their positive decision to include Natasha, a model with a cochlear implant, on their website. We still have a long way to go but great to see such refreshing & empowering representation & embracing a positive inclusion agenda https://t.co/VpEQlfp5Tb@Femail
As Richard Kramer, the chief executive of Sense, a U.K.-based charity for people with complex disabilities (including people who are deaf-blind) pointed out in a tweet, this is a meaningful step: “We still have a long way to go but [it’s] great to see such refreshing and empowering representation and [brands] embracing a positive inclusion agenda.” He’s right. As we saw when artist Chella Man, in partnership with fashion brand Private Policy, launched an ear jewelry collection, designed to celebrate the beauty within the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, one collection can make a significant impact. (50% of the proceeds from the jewelry items went to the Deaf Queer Resource Center, the non-profit organization dedicated to deaf, queer people, and the capsule collection was covered by major outlets like Vogue, HypeBae, and The Cut.) Given the reach that ASOS has — the company recently purchased Topshop, reported 24.9 million customers in the six months ending in February 2021, and has 11.4 million Instagram followers — this one could be even greater.
“Biggest love to ASOS for welcoming me in and breaking boundaries as this will really help and inspire people out there,” wrote Ghouri in a post on her Instagram. If the scale of responses is any indication, it already has.
Refinery29 reached out to ASOS, but the brand was not available for comment at this time.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
On Friday, London-based menswear designer and 2020 LVMH Prize finalist Priya Ahluwalia announced her womenswear debut as part of a collaboration with Ganni. The result is a collection that’s both sustainable — it was designed with upcycled deadstock fabric that went unused in Ganni’s fall ‘20 collection — and the life of the party — Ahluwalia was inspired by London’s Garage scene in the ‘90s.
The collection is made up of 19 pieces, many of which were created in Ganni’s signature silhouettes, but with Ahluwalia’s unique touches, making them unlike any pieces we’ve come to expect from the Copenhagen fashion darling. Think: square necklines on midi dresses and buttery soft leather mini dresses, but with tighter fits and patchwork patterns. “To be trusted to design the collection using Ganni’s liability materials was something that was very important to the design process,” Ahluwalia said in a press release. “The project has been great in showing how leftover materials can be totally transformed and are worth cherishing.”
The Nigerian-Indian creative wasn’t kidding about a transformation. Where we often associate Ganni with cottagecore vibes — the poofy sleeves, pastel colors, and soft plaids — this collection shows an edgier side to the brand. “I looked at photography from the U.K. Garage scene, as well as photos from my own personal history and culture and wanted to create clothing that women will feel sexy and strong in whilst on the dancefloor, whether at a club or at home,” Ahluwalia said.
Ahluwalia’s 19-piece womenswear debut, which ranges in price from $100 to $1350, will be available for purchase on Friday, April 26. In the meantime, sign up to be among the first to shop at ganni.com.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
People have been suspecting that SNL cast member Pete Davidson and Bridgertonstar Phoebe Dynevor are dating. Now, the internet sleuths believe they’ve found further proof that the two are together: thanks to their PDA.
Davidson and Dynevor appeared to be wearing matching necklaces during recent separate appearances. Davidson wore the pendant, which has the letters “PD” on it (both actors’ initials), during his April 6 interview on The Tonight Show, and Dynevor appears to have worn the same one on March 8 in a YouTube video on Brie Larson’s channel.
You wanna know what real social proof looks like??
Just ask Pete Davidson and Phoebe Dynevor about their new PD necklaces!
This discovery follows yet another revelation from Davidson on April 11 during a Zoom Q&A with Marquette University students. He told the class that in addition to being in London, he is also “with [his] celebrity crush.”
Many fans believe that the rumored relationship between the two is serious enough that are flying internationally to see each other. They speculated that Dynevor may have been visited Davidson on a recent trip to New York City, and the pair have allegedly been spotted a few times in the English town where the actress is filming The Colour Room. A high school student on March 24 said that she saw the pair acting mushy, and “holding hands and hugging each other” while on a walk.
At the rate this is going, our next hint will be when they tattoo each other’s names on their chests — or, they can save everyone the trouble and just admit it already.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Fashion has a way of taking our core wardrobe essentials and turning them into statement pieces. Consider the trusty trench coat: originally created to shield soldiers from the elements but, over time, turned into one of the most distinctive utility apparel items a person could own. It's no surprise, then, that the face coverings we've been advised by the CDC to wear for minimizing the spread of COVID-19 have been embraced by the fashion world. Masks may still feel like an unusual addition to our daily routines because of the way they conceal the parts of ourselves that are normally exposed, but that doesn't mean our identities have to be hidden too. By opting for a stylish face mask in the right print to suit your own aesthetic and making a purchase you know will benefit those in need, wearing a fashionable face mask can become more than just our collective responsibility — it can be an entirely new form of self-expression.
"It just felt like there was a need [for a stylish face mask]," says Hillary Taymour, founder of the sustainable clothing brand Collina Strada. "I was wearing brightly colored masks walking over the bridge daily to the studio and it put a smile on everyone’s face. So why not bring that to the general public?" Taymour began producing non-medical face masks in mid-March, drawing on the crafty skills of model and friend Sasha Melnychuk to design something protective yet personal. The final product was a remarkable marriage of motifs featuring Collina Strada's signature ribbons — a fixture of the brand's runway shows — and the vibrant patterns of already available deadstock fabric. "With every purchase [of a Collina Strada mask], you are donating five masks to healthcare workers," Taymour says. "The design just brings a little sunshine during one of the most difficult times we have seen in this lifetime."
Taymour was one of many designers to pivot to non-medical face mask production with the goal of giving back as the coronavirus crisis hit its devastating crescendo. Companies like Reformation and Sanctuary also reacted quickly by organizing local manufacturers to do the same using fabrics from their warehouses. New York-based label Alice+Olivia announced that it would donate 5,000 face masks to medical centers around the country while selling consumer-friendly options online. In addition to equipping customers with the coverings they need, founder Stacey Bendet pointed out a greater purpose of this initiative: "Let's show support for our community and the doctors, nurses, delivery workers, and first responders who are combatting this crisis on the front lines,” she said in a press release. The more non-medical face masks made available to the public, the less of a strain there will be on the medical-grade materials our heroes on the front lines require to protect themselves on the job.
Ahead, we've rounded up a list of fashion brands that are enhancing the process of mask manufacturing with their unique brands of sartorial savoir-faire. Face coverings are a crucial way for us to keep one another safe when we're in public, and they aren't going anywhere. So go ahead and get comfortable with one that speaks to your own style, be that in the form of something upcycled, a badass camo print, delicate florals — even toile, if that's your thing. You do you, as long as you're doing it responsibly.
COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic. Go to the CDC website for the latest information on symptoms, prevention, and other resources.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?