Fashion

Sinéad O’Dwyer Wins Zalando Visionary Award 2024, Setting New Standards for Inclusive Design
Written by Ulrika Lindqvist
London-based designer Sinéad O’Dwyer has emerged triumphant as the recipient of the prestigious Zalando Visionary Award 2024, signaling a significant stride forward in the fashion industry's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. O’Dwyer's groundbreaking work, celebrated for its innovative designs that celebrate body diversity, will now take center stage at the Copenhagen Fashion Week runway debut in August 2024.
The Zalando Visionary Award, renowned for recognizing visionaries in the fashion realm, bestowed this honor upon O’Dwyer for her exceptional creations that challenge traditional perceptions of beauty and form. O’Dwyer's brand has been commended by the jury for its commitment to embracing inclusivity through sculptural pieces that defy norms and celebrate individuality.
In a statement, O’Dwyer expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of promoting diversity within the fashion industry. “I am truly honored to receive the Zalando Visionary Award and to have the opportunity to showcase my designs at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Inclusivity has always been at the heart of my work, and I am thrilled to see it recognized and celebrated on such a significant platform,” said O’Dwyer.
The Zalando Visionary Award has also announced the appointment of two esteemed figures from the fashion world to its jury for the SS25 season. Joining the panel are Giuliano Calza, the Founder and Creative Director of GCDS, and Edward Buchanan, the Creative Director of SANSOVINO6. Their expertise and insights are expected to further elevate the award's mission of championing diversity and innovation within the fashion industry.
As part of Zalando's ongoing partnership with Copenhagen Fashion Week, Sinéad O’Dwyer will showcase her innovative designs on the official SS25 schedule in August, marking her Copenhagen runway debut. The Zalando Visionary Award aims to spotlight designers and brands that demonstrate a visionary approach to creating positive social impact and driving innovation within the fashion industry. Sinéad O’Dwyer's brand embodies these values, with a clear commitment to challenging traditional standards and championing inclusivity. Her designs celebrate diversity through truly inclusive collections and diverse model casting, empowering individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Expressing her gratitude for the award, Sinéad O’Dwyer stated, “Winning the Zalando Visionary Award is such an honor and extremely meaningful for the business, especially in this precarious time for independent brands. It gives us the support to continue our mission, further building on the work we have been doing to bring a more expansive and equitable vision of beauty to the world.”
The Zalando Visionary Award jury, comprised of fashion industry leaders such as Giuliano Calza, Edward Buchanan, and Herbert Hofmann, recognized O’Dwyer's unwavering commitment to diversity and innovation. O’Dwyer's designs, inspired by the shape of the body and crafted through innovative techniques such as the reinterpretation of Japanese bondage and experimentation with various fabrics, showcase her dedication to pushing creative boundaries while prioritizing inclusivity.
Lena Sophie Röper, General Manager, Designer at Zalando, praised O’Dwyer's progressive approach, stating, “Sinéad O’Dwyer clearly demonstrates the values that we want to see and embodies the spirit of the Zalando Visionary Award. The brand strikes the right balance of these values with unique designs, innovative solutions with a provocative, wearable, and exciting collection.”
As the winner of the award, Sinéad O’Dwyer will receive a €50,000 prize and additional support from Zalando for the show production at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2024. This recognition not only celebrates O’Dwyer's achievements but also underscores Zalando's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation within the fashion industry.
Images courtesy of Zalando
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photography Julia Sixtensson

Dr. Martens x Rodrigue "Archive Sandals" Collection
Written by Alicia
Rodrigue, a dynamic content creator and model, embodies a fervent dedication to infusing creativity into every project he touches. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, he collaborates on captivating visuals and narratives that deeply resonate with audiences worldwide. His boundless enthusiasm for pushing creative boundaries makes him a sought-after collaborator, eagerly welcoming opportunities to work with like-minded individuals and brands who share his passion for originality and ingenuity.

Embracing the iconic Josef Black and Josef Savannah Tan boots, Rodrigue sees donning each pair as an opportunity to channel the timeless spirit of innovation and originality synonymous with Dr. Martens' latest collection “Archive Sandal”. Just as the fashion of the 90s era evokes nostalgia, Rodrigue infuses his unique style and creativity into every stride, seamlessly intertwining his vision with the heritage of Dr. Martens. This collaboration promises to be a bold statement, resonating with audiences worldwide through Rodrigue's distinctive flair and the brand's legendary craftsmanship.
What inspired you to work in your industry and what content do you prefer to create?
I started doing it for the fun of it, but then I realised that there was no one who looked like me in the industry, there was, and sometimes lack of diversity in the industry and I’m trying to break that cycle. Lately I have been enjoying makingTikToks and reels mostly of my outfits, but sometimes of what I do in a day.
Do you get inspired by any other content creators?
I get inspired by many creators, it changes once in a while. Lately I have been inspired by @laravioletta she is so cool and effortless chic, she has just launched her own magazine and it’s amazing, I will be definitely subscribing. Another creator I enjoy is @brendahashtag her aesthetic is stunning. Most of all my friends who also are creators inspire me the most! Their every endeavor exudes brilliance, from their unique style to their boundless creativity. They truly excel in every aspect of what they do.
What is your favorite part about being a model?
The best part of being a model, for me would be meeting so many inspiring people, the opportunity to be a part of creating something and seeing the end result is rewarding.
Have you encountered any challenges as a content creator and model, and how do you handle them?
As a model sometimes it would feel like I was the token Blackmodel, just there to show diversity for a certain brand, but I just learn to not stress about it, regardless. I will do my best and I will be running to the bank with my check smiling. As a content creator it is mostly the same, but again I just learn to brush it off and instead use the privilege to make way for the others who look like me.
How do you handle feedback or comments on social media?
I once in a while stumble upon a rude comment here and there on TikTok, but really I don’t care as much because it’s usually the blank profiles that comment or send weird dms. Also, the positive feedback and comments always outshines the negative, and they always encourage me to keep on doing what I do.
How do you strike a balance between your personal life and your professional career?
In some weird way my personal life and professional life has ended up merging together, because most of friends are in the industry, and sometimes I get the honor to work with my friends, which is always a blast.
What advice would you give someone looking to become a successful content creator or model?
Not to sound cliche, but just be your true self. Embrace your uniqueness and always remember to have fun.
What is your first memory of Dr. Martens?
My first memory of Dr. Martens is back in the Tumblr era – I was obsessed with Tumblr. There was always a cool, moody post with someone wearing Dr. Martens.
The campaign focuses on the Dr. Martens “Archive Sandal” collection. Do you feel like these vintage inspired styles fit you and your aura?
I do love a sandal for the summer, and what I love about these, is that I can wear them with a cute outfit and not feel casual. I love a sandal that would still make me strut down the street with music blasting in my ears, feeling myself.
Link to Dr. Martens ”Archive Sandals” Collection with Rodrigue here! (Josef Black) and here! (Josef Savannah Tan)

photography Julia Sixtensson
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