Alys Wall - The Voice For The Taboo That is Hidden Disabilities
As damaging as social media platforms such as Instagram can be on our generations, being so exposed to filtered and photo shopped images of the “perfect aesthetic”, I strongly believe that utilised correctly it has the potential to be extremely powerful in educating, forming and moulding the views of the general public.
With the likes of Zebedee Management representing, championing and promoting disabilities within the fashion and media we are slowly but surely beginning to see independent models embracing their uniqueness’s and are challenging the status quo. It seems unconventional is becoming the new conventional.
However, I do feel that we still have a long way to go. I personally feel there are still stigmas, discrimination and disconnections between people with disabilities and the fashion industry. Clients still seem to be very much hesitant to hire people with disabilities. People’s ignorance’s are the main barrier between integrating people with disabilities and these are what make us feel somewhat invisible.
The only way we can start to break down these barriers is with education. Conducting open discussions about these topics and highlighting the positive and negative effects that they have. People’s ignorance’s and general misconceptions of people with disabilities has led me to reflect on my own personal experiences growing up as a young visually impaired person.
To your average person on the street I don’t look visually impaired. I refuse to use the aid of a cane or guide dog so naturally people are surprised when I disclose my visual impairment to them. I’ve even had people challenge my disability. I’ve been told “...but you dress so well and your makeup is really nice?” As if people with disabilities don’t have the capability to have any sense of style or take any interest in the fashion industry.
"Truthfully speaking, living with any form of disability, visible or otherwise is tough and having to overcome daily challenges. It can also lead you to feeling quite invisible, disconnected and control less."
Fortunately for myself, I have always taken a keen interest in fashion and experimenting with my style. I’ll even be the first to hold my hands up and admit that there have been a fair few trial and errors, style evolutions and fashion faux pas’s over the years, however, I feel this is a part of the whole fun of fashion.
I’ve been brought up second hand shopping and now can boast an almost completely second hand wardrobe. I love the challenge of hunting through charity and vintage shops, recreating current fashions trends through sustainable and ethical means. Not only is shopping this way guilt free as all proceeds go straight to charity it has made me a much more conscious consumer.
Being visually impaired I struggle to see people’s faces and recognise if/when someone is looking at me, so in this instance ignorance is bliss as I am completely unaware if I turn heads in the street and, in a bizarre way, it gives me the confidence to wear what I want and not worry about people’s reactions.
I always rely on the basics – keeping it simple with jeans and a white t-shirt as my foundation, but
" I like to elevate my look with quirky blazers/coats and accessories"
I like statement vintage prints and bold colours. Being completely colour-blind, I don’t shy away from any colours that don’t “suit me” because I don’t know any different.
Style is so personal and subjective. It shouldn’t be down to anyone else to tell you what looks good, or what you can or can’t wear. Fashion is a personal self-expression which we should be able to freely explore and have fun with. My style inspiration has always been Iris Apfel who at the grand age of 97 has carved a career and has been featured in the worlds biggest fashion magazines based on her unique no shits given style - dressing for herself and no-one else, and I believe this is how it should be.