Dublin activist Sinead Burke has become the first ‘little person’ to attend the prestigious Met Gala in New York, which took place earlier this week.
A former teacher, she has now become renowned in the fashion and activism worlds in recent years for her devotion to encouraging inclusivity in fashion, and has previously given TED talks on the subject, as well as appearing at the World Economic Forum last year.
Sinead has also been recognised as a key influencer by Business of Fashion, appearing on the cover, and was earmarked as one of Vogue’s most influential women working in Britain in 2018.
She has also worked alongside several designers, including Burberry and Gucci, to highlight the need for inclusivity.
Sinead took to the pink carpet at The Met museum on Monday in custom-made Gucci for the annual gala, which is one of the highlights of the fashion season, and marked the first time that a ‘little person’ attended the Gala, where guests included the likes of Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Celine Dion and more.
A contributing editor to British Vogue, Sinead penned an essay ahead of her appearance at the prestigious event, discussing how “surreal, inspiring and humbling” it was to grace the carpet.
In the essay, Sinead wrote: “Tonight marks the first time that a little person has attended the Met Gala. It is surreal, inspiring and humbling to be gracing the infamous red carpet.
“I am so grateful to Gucci, Vogue and Anna Wintour for their empathy and openness in thinking broadly about my accessibility needs.
“Prior to [the Gala], I practised [ascending] the stairs, and did an accessibility audit of the seating, bathrooms, elevators and corridors to figure out where and how we could ensure that I am as independent as possible on this very glamorous night.
“Speaking of glamorous – my footstools [were] decorated to seamlessly blend with the Met Gala furniture.”
