Irish activist and educator Sinéad Burke has made history as the first little person to grace the cover of British Vogue. The May 2023 issue features Burke wearing a custom-made Alexander McQueen gown, shot by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz. Burke’s cover symbolizes the growing diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, as well as the power and representation of those who have historically been marginalized in mainstream media. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Burke’s advocacy work, her journey to becoming a global fashion icon, and what this groundbreaking moment means for the future of diversity in the fashion industry.
In May 2023, British Vogue released their disability talent portfolio cover stars, which featured disabled models and activists. This marks a significant milestone in the fashion industry, as traditionally, models with disabilities have been excluded from mainstream media.
One of the cover stars is Sinéad Burke, an Irish writer, activist, and teacher who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Burke has long been an advocate for disability inclusion in the fashion industry and beyond. In 2018, she gave a TED Talk about the lack of accessibility in design and challenged designers to create with disability in mind. Her presence on the cover of British Vogue is a testament to her advocacy work and the fashion industry’s growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion.
The cover story also features Selma Blair, an actress best known for her roles in films like Legally Blonde and Cruel Intentions. Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, after years of experiencing undiagnosed symptoms. She has been open about her struggles with MS and the impact it has had on her life and career. In the British Vogue feature, Blair reflects on the 40 years of silent pain she endured before receiving her diagnosis and how she is no longer staying quiet about her experiences with disability.
The disability talent portfolio cover stars also include Aaron Philip, a gender-nonconforming model and disability activist who uses a motorized wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. Philip made history in 2018 as the first black, transgender, and disabled model to be signed to a major modeling agency. Other cover stars include Ellie Goldstein, a model with Down syndrome, and Adwoa Aboah, a model and activist who has spoken openly about her struggles with addiction and mental health.
The feature is accompanied by an editor’s letter from British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful. In the letter, Enninful discusses the importance of representation and inclusivity in the fashion industry and acknowledges the industry’s past failures to include disabled models and talent. He also recognizes the work that still needs to be done and the importance of continuing to elevate diverse voices and perspectives.
The disability talent portfolio cover stars have received widespread praise and recognition, with many noting the significance of representation in mainstream media. The fashion industry has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity and accessibility, but the Disability Talent Portfolio by British Vogue is a step in the right direction. By highlighting disabled models and activists, the fashion industry is recognizing the importance of diversity and representation and hopefully inspiring others to do the same.
Sinéad Burke’s appearance on the cover of British Vogue for May 2023 is not just a ground-breaking moment for the fashion industry, but for society as a whole. By showcasing a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty, the fashion world is moving closer to becoming a more inclusive industry for people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Burke’s charismatic personality and unwavering advocacy for inclusivity have made her a trailblazer and a role model for many. Her appearance in Vogue will continue to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes. As we move forward into a more inclusive future, Sinéad Burke and her revolutionary attitude will undoubtedly pave the way for greater change in the fashion world and beyond.
