GN x HAN Kjøbenhavn
GN News
Jun 19, 2025
A unique collaboration to challenge perceptions and make hearing health a trend of tomorrow
Sound meets style
Challenging misperceptions of hearing loss and breaking down barriers to wearing hearing aids is an important mission for us at GN. It’s widely documented that taking care of your hearing has a multitude of benefits for cognitive, emotional, mental and physical health. Yet, despite this, many people avoid wearing hearing aids. Building on the ‘New Norm’ campaign, which challenges the visual misperceptions of modern hearing aids, GN partnered with Danish fashion brand HAN Kjøbenhavn to raise awareness under the spotlights on one of the most glamorous stages.
Two worlds join forces
What would happen if models in a fashion week show wore hearing aids? The fashion industry has quite rightly been talking about diversity and social topics – but there hasn’t been much representation of hearing loss, which affects millions of people globally. Until now.
As part of the unique collaboration of GN x HAN Kjøbenhavn, two models with hearing loss walked the runway at the launch of the HAN Kjøbenhavn AW25 collection at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
“It is important for us to highlight issues that are often overlooked, such as hearing loss,” says Jannik Wikkelsø, Founder and Creative Director of HAN Kjøbenhavn. “Inclusion is often talked about in a visual sense, but we wanted to shed light on other significant challenges people faces. This is a beautiful project, and we are proud to be part of it.”
An immersive experience
Attendees expecting another high-concept HAN Kjøbenhavn show got more than just a visual spectacle, they got something to listen to and talk about. As the models took the stage to the sound of a high-pitched siren, simulating the experience of tinnitus, the show became a thought-provoking statement beyond the visual.
Creating a positive narrative
The GN x HAN Kjøbenhavn collaboration shows that fashion has the power to shape cultural narratives – also around hearing loss. Specifically, HAN Kjøbenhavn’s influence in the fashion industry allows us to bring this conversation to a global audience and trendsetters, involving unique voices and perspectives.
For Gustav Calvin, one of the models with hearing loss, the project is deeply personal: “I had a diving accident, but for years I avoided wearing hearing aids because I was afraid of what people would think – especially my peers. This collaboration between GN and HAN Kjøbenhavn is important because it shows that hearing aids are nothing to hide but can be expressed with confidence. I hope it helps change perceptions and encourages more people to take care of their hearing.”
Hearing health is part of self-expression
By taking hearing aids into the world of fashion, GN and HAN Kjøbenhavn are sending a clear message: Hearing health is part of self-expression and is always in style.
To learn more about how hearing health is important for overall health and wellbeing, visit LISTEN TO THIS
To see and download stigma-busting photography showcasing real people with hearing loss wearing modern hearing aids, visit The New Norm