Fashion critics are applauding ASOS for a recent online ad that features an earring model with a cochlear implant.
The British fashion brand’s product page shows model Natasha Ghouri, who was born deaf, wearing small hoop earrings and a cochlear implant on her right ear.
“Definitely not crying because of ASOS using an earring model with a hearing aid,” Asia Smith tweeted of the inclusive ad. “It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a model with a hearing impairment, let alone an earring model and it’s so refreshing to see this kind of representation for people like me.”
In a follow-up note, Smith clarified that she initially, incorrectly called the cochlear implant a hearing aid, confessing she suffered “big ol’ brain fart in the midst of my excitement.”
Smith’s celebratory Twitter post has since gone viral with over 28,000, inspiring others to share their support for the positive representation. Even model Ghouri chimed in and thanked her modeling agency for their faith “from the start.”
“I’m currently really hard of hearing, I’m sure I’m going to need a hearing aid soon, I was so nervous, but this has honestly made me tear up and made me realize it is completely normal!” another user wrote.
“This is amazing!” a proud parent exclaimed. “My 5 year old daughter has BL hearing aids, and I really hope that as she grows up this becomes more and more mainstream.”
