Sinéad O'Dwyer's "Do Not Touch" Film Explores Sexuality and Queer Expression

Back in 2025, Sinéad O'Dwyer launched her "Character Studies" collection, with the initial campaign focusing on the "characters" that have inhabited the designer's world since her namesake label was founded. Evolving into a live performance, commissioned by the Barbican in November, the latest release takes the form of a short film, extending the lifespan of its characters through cinematic compositions.

Choreographed by Grace Nicol, the film was written and directed by Sylvia Suli, who took inspiration from the performers themselves, along with O'Dwyer's world archetypes. Spanning "characters" like school matrons, nannies and housekeepers, the result is a fully-fledged collaboration between the performers and the script.

 

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Titled "Do Not Touch," the film mimics the textures and the colors of the collection's garments, juxtaposing blush pinks and bright oranges against the stark backdrop of London's Barbican. Exploring the relationship between the characters and their clothing, the film also looks at themes like sexuality, embodiment and queer erotic expression.

Described in the accompanying press release as both a "cacophony of pleasure" and a "charged, collective climax," the film and performance were supported by Trans+ on Screen, with the film also produced by Helios Blanc. A true collaboration and testament to sexual exploration, "Do Not Touch" is one of O'Dwyer's most profound releases yet.

Take a look at the film's stills above and stay tuned to the designer's website for more information.

In other news, this new exhibition explores the inner workings of Gen Z.

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