lopuszansky

How It Felt to Be Included: Reflections from Beyond Sight Loss Participants

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:20:47 GMT

Individual insights into accessibility, confidence, and emotional connection during the session.

Visual impairment is a spectrum, and each person experiences it in their own unique way. Some participants chose to share their specific visual condition, while others preferred not to, and I’ve respected each individual choice. The reflections below are genuine feedback from the Beyond Sight Loss focus group, shared openly by the people who engaged with my work. Their voices mean so much to me and continue to guide the development of this inclusive collection.

Shalini Okane

"I felt amazing to be part of the focus group. Knowing that someone young like you has though of the visually impaired community."

Visual Impairment – Stargardt

Andrew Lamont

"For visually impaired people to be included in the design process, by being shown part finished garments was inspiring. I certainly felt included in the journey of the collection and my views were valued in the context of the fashion pieces, from the fabrics to the fastenings."

Norin Khanna

"When I attended the focus group, I felt very excited and I'm glad that Lopuszansky is trying to make inclusive designs for all. I really enjoyed taking part and feeling different textures, designs and materials. My favourite features are the magnetic buttons."

Ashrafia Choudhury

"I think it’s really nice when people are thinking about accessibility for visually impaired people when designing fashion garments. It feels great to be included and given priority at the beginning stage rather than an afterthought. I also like the different and discreet ways of having tactile embedded in fashion"

Visual impairment – Stargardt

Amrit Dhaliwal

"I have never felt so connected to clothing before, the array of textures, Tailoring and design features filled me with so much excitement. The contrasting fabrics, tactile piping and raised ribbing gave me a sense of style without needing to see it. I really appreciated the choice of soft linings and magnetic fastenings as it promised ease and comfort.
It was moving to know that these amazing garments were designed with me in mind, not just something I could wear, but something that would leave me feeling confident and empowered. I felt listened too and understood and made to feel that my lived experience as a visually impaired person truly matted in every design decision. Lopuszansky is a truly inclusive and accessible brand that feels as amazing as it looks."

Visual impairment - Glaucoma

Parish Jotangia

"Having looked at some of the samples from the different garments, I could tell they were chosen for a reason. I really felt the materials, the textures, and the colours, there was clear thought put in for the VI community. When you’re visually impaired, comfort is important, and selecting the right colour matters too. Being able to differentiate between textures also makes it easier to sort clothes, so texture plays a big role. I also liked the way Lopuszansky designed the fastenings. The zips were very simple, and the magnetic zip felt especially thoughtful, I can see myself wearing a jacket with that every day. The location of the pockets and the creative use of texture around them made a big difference. It looked good and was practical, and it meant I wouldn’t have to fiddle around trying to find my pockets."

Visual impairment - Glaucoma

Sameena Karim

"I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed looking at the different materials that were displayed. Some of the materials I didn’t even know what they were called and so I learnt about the different textures that you showed us. it was interesting to see the different fasteners that you use in order to make the clothing accessible for those who have dexterity problems or vision impaired. I especially liked the zip and clip which was a part of a jacket that you showed us. I had never thought that there could be so many different ways to make clothing adaptable thus making fasteners easy to manage to fasten clothing. The description was very good and the interaction with all the people who are at the group was excellent. I enjoy feeling all the different textures some of them felt warm and others had like a cold touch I that is leather materials. Others that were either smooth or rough to the touch. Thank you very much for inviting us all along to your workshop."

Visual impairment – Glaucoma

The insights shared by everyone at Beyond Sight Loss have shaped this collection in ways I could never have achieved alone. Each person’s honesty, lived experience, and willingness to engage so openly has helped me understand what inclusion truly looks and feels like. I am incredibly grateful for their time, trust, and enthusiasm throughout this process. Their voices continue to guide every decision I make, ensuring that this collection remains rooted in accessibility, dignity, and genuine collaboration.

A Collaborative Focus Group with Beyond Sight Loss Charity: Exploring Texture, Comfort, and Inclusion

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:48:17 GMT

A collaborative moment of learning and sensory discovery with Beyond Sight Loss.

Fabric Sample Testing, Colour, and Conversations

Introduction

My second focus group took place on 1st August in my studio space at JCA, in collaboration with individuals from the Beyond Sight Loss Charity. The participants were Ashrafia Choudury, Andrew Lamont, Amrit Dhaliwal, Norin Khanna, Sameena Karim, Parish Jotangia, and Shalini Okane.

It was an incredible experience spending time with everyone, hearing their stories, and learning from their perspectives on fashion, accessibility, and personal style. This session gave me a deeper understanding of how my design choices could better support blind and visually impaired individuals.

Starting the Session

I began by introducing myself, explaining my background, describing what I was wearing, and sharing what my brand represents. I then outlined the plan for the session, which included exploring a variety of fabric samples and garment toiles. With seven participants, it was exciting to hear such a wide range of opinions and lived experiences.

Fabric Exploration & Tactile Feedback

The first fabric shown was the burnt orange faux fur, which received an immediate and very positive reaction. Participants described it as soft, warm, and comforting, perfect for winter. This led to a discussion about colour theory, skin tones, and how creating multiple colour variations could make the garments more inclusive for different complexions.

We explored ways faux fur could be used beyond the main fabric, such as lining, pocket detailing, or reversible options. Participants also suggested incorporating hoods, as umbrellas can be impractical for those who use a cane.

We then moved on to shaved sheep and lamb fur samples in light brown, dark brown, and black. Everyone enjoyed comparing the different pile lengths and textures. This naturally led into a wider conversation about tactile patterns and the importance of incorporating textures like embroidery, beading, fur accents, and embossed details so that patterns can be appreciated through touch.

Additional fabrics were tested, including:

Black Alpen fleece , described as soft, cosy, and perfect for winter
Navy wool , which was thought to be too itchy
Mustard moleskin , praised for its smooth, premium feel especially when used as tactile piping
Black and blue leatherette , appreciated for being waterproof and crease-free
Structured polyester piping , better suited to accessories than clothing

This section of the session also opened a discussion about integrating QR codes into garments to provide accessible information such as washing instructions, garment descriptions, and audio notes.

Participants were very supportive when I shared my long-term goal of using the brand to support charitable causes.

Garment Testing: Accessibility, Function & Fit

We moved on to testing garment toiles to evaluate accessibility features, comfort, and ease of use.

Men’s Collared Jacket

Featuring a high collar, magnetic zip, and leatherette piping guiding into the pockets. Although the magnetic zip required a few attempts to get used to, participants quickly found it intuitive.

Women’s Collared Jacket

This jacket includes a magnetic collar, magnetic cuffs, a magnetic zip, and moleskin piping. The magnetic cuffs were especially well received, as they made dressing significantly easier.

Men’s Piped Shirt

With magnetic fastenings and a piped pocket, this shirt was praised for its practicality. The group suggested a slightly longer, more tailored fit so it remains tucked in comfortably.

Women’s Tailored Trousers

These included tactile pocket linings, a magnetic fly, a press stud, and a stretch waistband. They were described as comfortable, functional, and thoughtfully designed.

Women’s Piped Mini Skirt

With piping leading into the back pocket and a magnetic fly, this piece allowed participants to explore orientation and functional details through touch.

Across all garments, the feedback was incredibly encouraging. Participants found the pieces accessible, comfortable, and well thought out. The main suggestion was to refine the fit to make each garment more tailored to the body.

Conclusion

This focus group provided me with incredible insight into how texture, function, and accessibility can be harmonised through design. The honest feedback and creative suggestions from each participant have been invaluable in helping me refine my collection.

I am deeply grateful to Ashrafia, Andrew, Amrit, Norin, Sameena, Parish, and Shalini for their time, input, and openness throughout this session. Their ideas and perspectives have played an essential role in shaping the direction of my work and strengthening my understanding of inclusive fashion.

Exploring Textures, Colour, and Accessibility: A Focus Group with Gemma and Tim

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:06:58 GMT

Where Fashion Meets Touch: Voices From RNC Hereford

Fabric Sample Testing, Colour, and Conversations

Meeting the Participants

My first focus group took place on 31st July at the Royal National College (RNC) in Hereford. There, I met Gemma and Tim Morton, who took part in the session. Gemma has retinitis pigmentosa, while Tim has no colour vision and experiences light sensitivity.

Virtual Support From My Mentor

Lucy Edwards, my mentor during the third trimester of my MA course, joined via Google Meet to support the discussion and help guide the questions.

First Impressions of the Fabric Samples

We began by exploring the fabric samples I was considering for my MA collection, including faux fur, cotton, moleskin, wool, and leatherette.

• The burnt orange faux fur was a favourite for both participants, described as soft, warm, and perfect for winter, with a comforting tactile quality.
• The navy wool felt itchy and scratchy; they also mentioned that wool becomes heavy when wet, making it less suitable for an autumn/winter collection exposed to rain.
• The mustard yellow moleskin had a beautifully soft, premium texture, though if it got wet, the fabric could be damaged. Due to its structured nature, I planned to use it only for piping, not full garments.
• The royal blue leatherette received positive feedback; they liked that it’s waterproof and doesn’t require ironing, making it a practical and stylish option for outerwear.

Colour Decision-Making and Visual Accessibility

When deciding on colours, I was debating whether to pair royal blue with navy, or remove one and keep the auburn (burnt orange) for a cohesive palette with black. The burnt orange fur was especially popular, so I decided to keep that as a key texture.

Tim explained that he perceives colour through shade rather than hue, so simplifying the palette by removing either the navy or royal blue would make the contrast clearer. We concluded that black would act as a strong grounding tone, while burnt orange/auburn and navy provided a more balanced and tactilely consistent combination. Although Tim liked the royal blue, he felt the navy offered a more wearable, versatile option.

Testing Additional Fur Textures

Next, we tested shaved sheep and lamb furs in light brown, dark brown, and black. Both liked the texture and variation in fur length, though they noted that the material malts easily, making it less practical for everyday wear.

Guiding Questions and Deeper Conversations

After discussing these fabrics, I asked questions such as:
• How does this feel on your skin?
• Would it keep you warm and comfortable?
• What do you think of the colour and texture?

These questions led to deeper conversations about weather durability and care, both important considerations for an autumn/winter collection.

Fabric Manipulation and Tactile Pocket Design

I also shared fabric manipulation samples, including pocket designs that used different textures for guidance. Some featured buttons or piping to indicate pocket placement, while others used straight moleskin piping to test tactile feedback.

Colour Preferences, Confidence, and Wearability

When discussing colour, I presented my proposed palette and asked about their preferences, which colours felt easiest to wear, which boosted confidence, and which offered practicality. We also talked about co-ord sets that simplify dressing by eliminating the need to match garments, creating trust between designer and wearer, a key goal of my brand.

Expanding Ideas Beyond Clothing

We explored how tactile guidance, such as piping around pockets, adds both functionality and visual design value, making it a signature detail of my brand. Some samples inspired ideas for other applications, for example using textured materials on bags or accessories instead of garments. These creative exchanges opened new perspectives on balancing comfort, texture, and practicality.

Reflecting on the Value of Honest Feedback

It was inspiring to work with participants who shared honest feedback and creative suggestions, exactly what I hoped to achieve with this focus group.

Toiles, Accessibility, Garment Construction, and Fit

Starting With Clothing Preferences

To start this section, I asked:
“What is your favourite piece of clothing, and why?”
Tim said boxer shorts, because they feel secure and close to the body. Gemma said fluffy socks for their warmth and comfort. This led to a wider discussion about clothing that feels comforting, empowering, and confidence-boosting, even inspiring ideas for future accessible underwear designs.

Women’s Tailored Bomber Jacket

I first handed Gemma the women’s tailored bomber jacket toile, which featured a short magnetic zip. She said it might take some getting used to but liked the lapel collar. Tim also tried the jacket and fastened the magnetic zip easily.

Men’s Collared Jacket Toile

Next, Tim tried the men’s collared jacket toile, which featured leatherette piping leading into the pockets. He suggested adding a longer zip puller and proposed the idea of a furry inner pocket for warmth on cold days.

Women’s Collared Jacket: Piping, Magnets, and Design Identity

The women’s collared jacket toile followed; this design had magnetic closures at the collar and cuffs, a magnetic zip, and moleskin piping leading into the pockets. Gemma suggested that the piping could be slightly narrower while still effective as a guide. We discussed how the piping functions as both a tactile guide and a defining design feature of my brand.

Designing for Both Sighted & Visually Impaired Users

I explained that my designs are inclusive for both sighted and visually impaired consumers, allowing everyone to experience the same tactile design features, whether for navigation or aesthetic enjoyment.

Women’s Tailored Trousers

The women’s tailored trousers featured a magnetic fly, press stud, stretch waistband, and contrasting pocket fabric for tactile guidance. Both participants liked the stretch waistband, finding it comfortable and practical. Tim particularly enjoyed the moleskin pocket lining, noting that having one textured and one smooth side helps differentiate touch. They agreed that stronger magnets and an additional button would make the fastening more secure.

Testing the Jorts and Fur Placement

Finally, they tested a pair of jorts designed with fur around the pockets for tactile navigation, a magnetic fly, waistband, and fastening. Both liked the texture but said shorter fur would be more practical for wearability.

Discussing Pockets, Fastenings, and Durability

We also discussed pockets and fastenings, weighing the pros and cons of zips, buttons, and depth. Tim preferred deeper pockets for security, noting that zips can stiffen and fail over time, while buttons might offer better longevity.

Moving Forward With Purpose

This focus group gave me invaluable insight into how texture, comfort, and function can come together to create accessible, inclusive fashion.

I am deeply grateful to Gemma, Tim, and Lucy for their support, feedback, and willingness to share their experiences. Their honesty, creativity, and ideas have helped shape my collection and my brand’s mission.

This session marked a significant step in my journey toward designing clothing that is truly made to feel, not just see.

Redefining Runways: Amrit Shares Her Experience at Lopuszansky's Inclusive Fashion Show

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:18:56 GMT

Amrit's Honest Feedback on the Lopuszansky Inclusive Fashion Experience

Sadly, many people still believe that visually impaired people don't care about how they look or how they present themselves to the rest of the world. This could not be further from the truth, because people with sight loss, including myself, have a keen interest in how we look, feel, and express ourselves through fashion. However, having access to the latest trends and styles, and shopping for clothes, is made virtually impossible as we are met with blank spaces when browsing through magazines, websites or when attending fashion shows. This is a real shame because brands and businesses need to be aware that the spending power of disabled people in the UK currently stands at £274 billion per year.

On 19th September, I was thrilled to attend my first-ever fashion show with the Jimmy Choo Academy, all made possible by Jasmyn Lopuszansky, who is on a mission to make her accessible collection and the fashion industry fully inclusive for visually impaired people. It was an exciting, emotional, and unforgettable experience to be able to access the show through touch and audio description.

Before the show started, we were provided with a book that included fabric samples from all five collections being showcased. Being able to feel the materials and textures of each fabric instantly made me connect with each piece.

As the models strutted down the runway, Jasmyn gave us a live audio description of the outfits, their colours, styles, and how they were put together to achieve the whole look. That felt pretty amazing, as it was the first time I was able to engage with and celebrate fashion alongside everyone else. As if that were not enough, to top it all off, after the show we were given the opportunity to feel Jasmyn’s fantastic collection. This enabled us to appreciate the pieces in greater detail, the quality and the accessible features incorporated to make this a truly standout collection.

If given the opportunity, I would have bought a number of garments there and then, and that is entirely down to the fact that I was able to fully engage with the collection through touch and audio description. A huge thanks to JCA, and especially to Jasmyn, for her unwavering dedication to making fashion an inclusive experience for visually impaired people. She is a real trailblazer who is proving that with a willingness to make fashion accessible for everyone, creativity, and a few adjustments, the world of

fashion can be an enjoyable space for all.

- Amrit Dhaliwal

Gratitude in Every Stich: Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Year Possible

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:18:52 GMT

Acknowledgements & Credits - Celebrating Our 2025 Journey Together

First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, Siobahn Simmons and Stephen Lopuszansky, for their unwavering support throughout this year. I would not be here without them.

A special thank you to my module tutor, Mark Eley, for constantly challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone and push myself to the very limits of my ability. Your guidance and teaching have equipped me with the skills I need to succeed, and I am deeply grateful for the encouragement to always strive for more.

To my supervisors, Mark Weston, Adrian Wollaston, Katherine Macdonald, and Stefan Orschel-Read, thank you for helping me create the best opportunities throughout the year. Your insights and perspectives on my work have been invaluable, offering both guidance and inspiration at every stage.

To the atelier team, Melanie Hallam, Ella Chandler, and Ivaylo Evtimov, I am so thankful for the time, knowledge, and technical expertise you have shared with me. The skills you taught me made it possible to bring my collection to life, and I could not have achieved this body of work without your support.

Thank you to Amrit Dhaliwal, Lucy Edwards, and Caryn Franklin for being such inspiring mentors throughout this journey. A special thanks to Gemma Morton and Tim Morton for taking part in my focus group at the Royal National College (RNC) Hereford, and to Ashrafia Choudury, Andrew Lamont, Amar Dhaliwal, Amrit Dhaliwal, Norin Khanna, Sameena Karim, Parish Jotangia and Shalini Okane for contributing to the focus group organised with the Beyond Sight Loss Charity in London.

I am truly grateful to each of you, your guidance, support, and insights have helped shape this journey, pointing me in the right direction and deepening my education.

Lopuszansky Redefines Inclusive Fashion with a Groundbreaking Showcase Celebrating Accessibility and Style

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:02:53 GMT

Press Release: Emerging Designer Launches Inclusive Fashion Collection Inspired by Blind and Visually Impaired Perspectives

LONDON, Friday, 19th September 2025: JCA Fashion: Entrepreneurship in Design & Brand Innovation

learner Jasmyn Lopuszansky is set to debut Lopuszansky, a brand Presenting during the JCA MA Show

on Friday 19th September, LOPUSZANSKY debut show will showcase the first six looks of the brand as a

cohesive collection.

As an emerging designer and advocate for accessible fashion, Jasmyn Lopuszansky is proud to

announce the development of her latest collection, a body of work deeply informed by the lived

experiences of blind and visually impaired individuals. This innovative and inclusive collection prioritises

accessibility, tactile engagement, and thoughtful design, aiming to redefine how fashion is experienced

and understood by all.

The debut collection, ‘Journey Behind the Eyes’, focuses on wearable style and how garments feel,

function, and communicate.

The Title, “Journey Behind the Eyes” reflects Lopuszansky’s deep commitment to inclusive design and

her intention to create a collection informed by the lived experiences of blind and visually impaired

individuals, ensuring her garments are not designed solely for the sighted.The inspiration behind the

collection is rooted in personal experience, drawn from a close family member living with age-related

macular degeneration. This connection sparked her curiosity about how blind and visually impaired

individuals navigate dressing independently. Her research journey revealed a significant lack of

accessible fashion, motivating her to design a collection that is not only functional and accessible, but

also stylish, empowering, and comfortable.Through first-hand research, one-to-one mentorships, and

interactive focus groups with members of the blind and VI community, Lopuszansky has crafted a concept

that centers the perspective from the ground up.

"Fashion should be more than something you see - it should be something you feel, understand, and

connect with. This collection is about giving that experience to everyone, regardless of sight," says

Lopuszansky.

Over the past year, Lopuszansky has collaborated closely with disability advocates including Amrit, a

campaigner and media spokeswoman, and Lucy Edwards, an award-winning journalist, presenter,

content creator, and disability activist. Both blind, Amrit and Edwards have provided ongoing mentorship,

offering valuable feedback and personal insights that have shaped the development of her collection.

Lopuszansky was also mentored by Caryn Franklin MBE, a renowned British fashion and identity

commentator and visiting professor of diverse selfhood, whose sighted perspective challenged

Lopuszansky to explore ideas and considerations she had not previously thought of. As well as

organizations such as JCA, to create a brand rooted in collaboration, empathy, and innovation.

Each look in the collection draws influence from the silhouettes of 1950s Swedish motorcycle jackets,

particularly evident in the construction of the sleeves and collars. Further detailing and material inspiration

come from 1920s–1927 outerwear, incorporating classic wools and faux furs. The collection’s focus on

autumn/winter wear is reflected in its material choices, suited to colder and wetter conditions.

Functionality is at the core of each design, with magnetic fastenings, including zips and closures, integrated for ease of use and enhanced accessibility.

Look 1: A women’s collared jacket in black cashmere wool, paired with tailored trousers in black leatherette. The jacket features matching leatherette details on the collar and cuffs, highlighting the co-ordinated set.

Look 2: A women’s piped bomber jacket in black denim with chestnut leatherette accents and a magnetic zip, styled with a matching piped mini skirt. Ribbed cuffs and hem complete the look.

Look 3: A men’s cotton shirt in navy with front magnetic closures, paired with tailored trousers in black cotton.

Look 4: A women’s tailored bomber jacket in black leatherette with women’s tailored jorts in navy wool.

Look 5: A men’s black leatherette jacket with a magnetic zip, paired with piped shorts in black denim and leatherette.

Look 6: A women’s fur jacket in burnt orange with a central leatherette magnetic panel, paired with a navy leatherette piped skirt.

Lopuszansky conducted two focus groups to ensure the collection remained grounded in genuine user experience. The first was held at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Herford, where she met with a colour-blind staff member and his partially sighted wife. They tested materials, evaluated functionality, and provided valuable feedback.

The second focus group took place at JCA | London Fashion Academy in Lopuszansky’s studio, in collaboration with Beyond Sight Loss. Seven blind and visually impaired individuals participated, offering insights into garment functionality, material selections, and overall user experience - further shaping the direction and refinement of the collection.

The collection will be further explored in upcoming focus groups and presented at pop-up events across the UK in late 2025. Marking the next step in Lopuszansky's journey but also signals a broader shift toward authentic inclusion within fashion.

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