A dyslexic designer, Darryl Bedford, has found his niche in the fashion world, where he considers his neurodivergence as a “superpower.” Creating intricate origami dresses that will grace the runway at London Fashion Week (LFW), Bedford’s unique artistry combines the ancient techniques of origami and kirigami. Partnering with London-based designer Gareth Volka, Bedford is set to showcase five stunning dresses that are a testament to his creativity and resilience.
Originating from Perth, Australia, Bedford now calls London home since 1998. Living with dyslexia, he views his condition not as a limitation but as a source of strength that fuels his artistic vision. “Being invited to LFW as a neurodivergent designer, I feel really pleased about that,” Bedford shared with the PA news agency. He believes that his dyslexia allows him to perceive the world in a unique way, labeling it as his “superpower.”
The journey to creating these exquisite origami dresses began as a form of therapy for Bedford after the loss of his mother five years ago. Grieving and seeking solace, he turned to the art of origami and kirigami as a means to cope with his trauma. “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,” he explained. This transformational process helped him find peace and center himself during a tumultuous time.
Collaborating with the charity Bullock Inclusion, Bedford’s art has been curated to promote inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Through his designs, he advocates for a more understanding and accommodating environment in the fashion industry and other professions for neurodiverse individuals. “There needs to be more neurodivergent understanding. When there’s more understanding of neurodivergent thinking, then there’ll be a lot more ability for people to be able to hire and to understand and to be able to develop within their workplace,” Bedford emphasized.
Describing his wearable creations as a blend of rigidity and flexibility, Bedford’s designs offer a tactile experience that is both visually captivating and physically engaging. His technique not only echoes the elegance of origami but also provides a sense of adaptability and movement. Reflecting on his success at the Paper on Skin Award 2024, where he showcased wearable paper garments, Bedford expresses his love for performance and the runway, hinting at more to come in the future. “I just love performance. I love the runway. I definitely haven’t finished yet. I’ve only just started to tell the truth,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Bedford envisions a fashion industry that prioritizes recyclability and sustainability, hoping that his art will pave the way for environmentally friendly clothing materials. Encouraging aspiring designers to follow their passions, he underscores the therapeutic and life-affirming power of creative pursuits. “It’s so important to pursue a passion. There’s so much therapy that’s built into that,” Bedford shared. “Whatever it may be, it really is a very important thing. It’s healing, life-affirming, and it’s just basically an essential part of a human being.”
As Bedford’s origami dresses take center stage at London Fashion Week, they serve as a testament to the transformative power of art, resilience, and creativity. His journey from grief to triumph is not just a personal narrative but a universal ode to the human spirit’s capacity for healing and growth. Through his art, Bedford invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, celebrate our strengths, and envision a future where inclusivity and sustainability define the essence of fashion.
