Neurodivergent designer Darryl Bedford is set to showcase his unique origami-inspired dresses at London Fashion Week, highlighting creativity and inclusion.
Darryl Bedford, a 55-year-old neurodivergent designer from Fulham, London, is set to showcase his innovative origami-inspired dresses at London Fashion Week (LFW) on Saturday. Known for his unique blend of origami and kirigami—a technique that involves both folding and cutting paper—Bedford describes his dyslexia as a “superpower” that enhances his creative vision.
Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Bedford moved to London in 1998 and has since devoted himself to creating intricate paper art. His collaboration with fashion designer and architect Gareth Volka has resulted in five dresses that will grace the LFW runway. Speaking to the PA news agency, Bedford expressed his excitement about being recognized as a neurodivergent designer: “Being invited to LFW, to actually be a neurodivergent designer, I feel really pleased about that.”
Bedford’s relationship with his artistry deepened after the passing of his mother five years ago, which he described as a transformative experience in his life. He noted, “When I first started my art form I used it as a form of therapy. I was actually suffering trauma through the death of my mother.” His process allowed him to engage with his grief constructively, enabling him to channel his emotions into his work.
In addition to his design work, Bedford teaches deaf children, reinforcing his belief in the importance of representation and understanding for neurodiverse individuals within various fields, including fashion. He advocates for an environment that fosters greater awareness and inclusion for those with disabilities. “I do believe that there needs to be more neurodivergent understanding,” he said, emphasizing the potential benefits of such awareness for employers and their workplaces.
His designs, characterized by their blend of rigidity and flexibility, aim to provide a tactile experience for wearers. “I love touch. I love the idea of articulating a form,” Bedford elaborated, explaining the motivation behind his technique.
For his work, Bedford has received accolades like the Paper on Skin Award 2024, recognizing innovative wearable designs made from paper. He expressed a desire to continue his runway presence, stating, “I definitely haven’t finished yet. I’ve only just started to tell the truth.”
Looking ahead, Bedford envisions the future of fashion leaning toward sustainability and recyclability. He hopes that his designs might one day be recognized as environmentally friendly clothing materials. Furthermore, he inspires other aspiring designers, urging them to pursue their passions, which he believes is intrinsically tied to healing and personal fulfillment: “It’s so important to pursue a passion. There’s so much therapy that’s built into that.”
Through his upcoming showcase, Darryl Bedford aims not only to captivate fashion audiences but also to promote a broader understanding of neurodiversity and creativity in the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
