Private Policy's New Jewelry Campaign Celebrates "The Beauty of Being Deaf"
Showcasing ear accessories that can be worn with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Chella Man – an artist, actor and activist for deaf, transgender and BIPOC issues – has teamed up with jewelry label Private Policy for a video campaign that celebrates “The Beauty of Being Deaf.” The three-minute-long film showcases flexible and accessible ear accessories while pushing for disabled representation in the fashion industry.
The visual features Chella alongside Rayly Aquino, a deaf model, actor, dancer and writer, and Raven Sutton, a deaf dancer and ASL performer. The three multi-hyphenates are spotted underwater donning bold and intricate jewelry pieces that can be worn with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
“When you think of beauty, you’re not taught to think of me,” the video begins, as it continues to deliver powerful messages: “We are often told we have lost.” Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Chella shares in a dedicated essay: “The appearance of hearing aids and cochlear implants have always created a disconnect. The pieces never felt like me, and I had no control over their designs. I always found myself brainstorming ways to reclaim the machinery that had become my part of me.” He stresses that there is a severe lack of representation despite the fact that 15 percent of the world’s population is part of the disabled community.
Speaking on the beauty of being deaf, Rayly writes: “Being deaf is truly a blessing— it has allowed me to develop a strong sense of self-awareness with myself and my surroundings. While growing and navigating life was certainly challenging, it has helped me view life from a different perspective.” Raven comments: “The beauty is in communicating with my hands, body and facial expressions. The beauty is in the language and culture.”
Watch above for the full campaign, which has launched in time with National Deaf History Month. You can head over to the official website to shop the designs now. Fifty percent of profits go towards the Deaf Queer Resource Center.
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