British Vogue has launched a braille version of the magazine for the first time in its 107-year history.
To increase accessibility for the blind and partially sighted, the May issue is also available in audio format.
Edward Enninful wrote on Instagram: “The Vogue team and I are delighted with the response to the May issue, but what the process of creating it has taught us is that what matters most is concrete and lasting change.
„Vogue and the fashion and publishing industries still have a lot to do, but I’m very happy to see the arrival of these first braille publications today.”
Titled Reframing Fashion, this month’s issue focuses on disability justice, access and pride.
Co-produced Tilting the lensThe accessibility and content consultancy, which has advised brands such as Netflix and Starbucks on making their businesses disability-friendly, features 19 people with disabilities from fashion, sports, activism and the arts in this edition.
Each of the five cards features an influential disability activist or prominent figure, including actress Selma Blair and consultant teacher Sinead Burke.
In an interview with the Guardian last month, Enninful, 51, spoke about her own experiences with an invisible disability. He said: „I have five retinal detachments, I’m partially blind and my hearing is less than 50% – I wear hearing aids now. It’s never stopped me, but a lot of people with visual impairments never talk about it because it can be a hindrance to them. .I never had that fear.
„When I study, it’s even harder: when I do interviews, I have to ask people to speak at a certain level. But these are things that are me; these are things that I’ve embraced. We always talk about diversity and inclusion, but it’s also for our disabled brothers and sisters. should be extended.
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Readers can receive the audio file and print the Braille file of the issue at home for free or register their interest in sending a physical Braille copy.
Appointed director in 2017, Enninful has long championed her work to increase inclusivity and representation in fashion. In 2016, he was awarded an OBE for services to diversity in industry.
Last month, Enninful was reported as saying that he had rejected advertisements from major fashion brands that did not share his vision.