The Designs of Sinéad O’Dwyer, Worn By the People Who Know and Love Them Best
Make it stand out
Groundbreaking designer Sinéad O’Dwyer makes clothes designed to make the wearer feel good, no matter their body type. In a fashion industry that constantly tokenises, alienates, isolates and discriminates, her garments are a constant: always inclusive, always considered, and fundamentally, always fucking cool.
In this editorial, exclusive to Polyester, Sinéad has captured her extended team, plus some of her most loyal customers, in her designs, while they give us their thoughts on one of the fashion industry’s most forward-thinking brands.
Emma Mattel, casting director: “I think Sinead is one of the most important voices in fashion. The clothes makes me feel safe, seen and sexy.”
Farah Esset, writer, filmmaker and multi disciplinary artist: “I feel sexy and whimsical in Sinéad’s clothes. The brand makes me feel included in the high fashion sphere I otherwise feel isolated and snubbed by honestly. I feel inspired and able to show off my body and embody different styles in a way I struggle to otherwise, because of the gap in the clothes market pertaining to plus sized inclusive designers that make clothes or even style clothes we’d not just fit in but actually want to wear! I’m so grateful the brand exists and allows the world to see how all bodies can be fashionable, while showing plus size bodies in clothes with personality.”
Grace Nicol, choreographer, facilitator, movement director and dance artist: “Knowing and loving the Sinéad O’Dwyer brand is really about knowing and loving Sinead. It is completely and utterly Sinéad as a person reflected in her art. For me it’s about people, care and connection as well as being extremely fun and a little bit cheeky. I love wearing the clothes because they allow me to feel connected to that.”
Ilana Blumberg, knitwear designer at Sinéad O’Dwyer: “Wearing Sinéad O’Dwyer makes me feel very very very SEXY.”
Jos Bitelli, DOP and artist: “I slept in my first SD piece for a week, just couldn’t take it off <3”
Katy Clark, embroidery designer, design assistant and artisan at Sinéad O’Dwyer
Katy Clark and Sinéad O’Dwyer
Liz Bisoux, creative director: “Wearing Sinéad O’Dwyer makes me feel sexy and free, snatched & seen.”
Maji Claire, model: “Every time I wear Sinéad’s clothes i can tell that its made with so much love, care and desire for feminine curves and softness which makes me feel so so sensual and free. It’s important for me not to feel restricted in what I wear, and Sinéad’s clothes are just like that – made for movement and freedom.”
Nora Nord, photographer, director, podcaster: “Sinéad’s designers make me feel honestly the hottest I’ve ever felt. Sinéad's clothes make me feel so sexy and elevated and just a badder bitch version of myself.”
Sophie Jewes, co-founder and creative director of communications agency RAVEN: “Sinéad really is an activist as much as a designer. The practical challenges she faces trying to make real change are staggering. Through her practise, she is taking one for the team – the team, dare I say it, being brilliant unconventional women - in the biggest way. It's a real honour to get to help tell her story.”
Skye Lukowski-Standley, model: “Sinéad’s pieces make me feel powerful, thought of and hopeful for meaningful change.”
Zoë Marden, artist: “I feel like anything is possible when I’m wearing Sinéad’s clothes, like I’m a super hero who can change the world.”
Creative Direction: Sinéad O’Dwyer and Ottilie Landmark | Photography: Ottilie Landmark | Film Direction and DOP: Jos Bitelli | Styling: Ioana Ivan | Movement: Grace Nicol | Casting: Emma Matell