Non-visual approaches to fashion studies

To perceive non-visuality in fashion and dress challenges any conventional theory, concept or framework defined by sighted scholars. Whereas fashion design has started to show interest in non-visual perspectives, empirically grounded literature in fashion studies that questions the predominance of visuality still remains limited. The overall aim of this essay is to discuss the reassessment of both perceiving and perceived bodies involved within research on fashion and dress. The essay uses in-depth conversations conducted among visually impaired women – whose relation to fashion and dress has been notably overlooked – as a means of enlightening this theme. While presenting various everyday ways of fashioning and dressing the body which are not primarily nor necessarily facilitated by the sense of sight, this essay attempts to introduce alternative methods to reconsider the positioning of the researcher’s body. The essay argues that giving voice and listening to the visually impaired challenges the emphasis put on the hegemonic position of seeing and the sociocultural fact of sight. Furthermore, the essay invites scholars and practitioners to discuss modalities and dynamics through which we all relate to fashion, dress and the sensate body.