Zaya Wade, the daughter of Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, recently made headlines as she shared her reasons for choosing to wear braids during her runway debut for Miu Miu. The 17-year-old model opened up about her experience in a cover story for Seventeen, where she reflected on the significance of her appearance in the fashion world. Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020, expressed that her runway debut was about more than just a career milestone – it was about representing her community authentically.
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Initially, Zaya had concerns about entering the fashion industry as a Black woman, but she was determined to stay true to herself while also representing a brand like Miu Miu that resonated with her. She revealed that there was a moment of hesitation before the show where she questioned whether she should remove her braids due to the stigma surrounding Afrocentric looks in high fashion. However, inspired by model Anok Yai, Zaya decided to embrace her braids for the show, a decision that brought her immense joy.
During the runway show, Zaya felt a sense of empowerment as she embraced her authentic self without hiding her transition, gender, or skin. She described the experience as a pivotal moment where she could express her identity with confidence. In addition to her runway debut, Zaya has been making waves in the fashion industry, having starred in campaigns for Tiffany & Co and graced the covers of prominent magazines like CR Fashion Book, DAZED, and Homme Girls.
Beyond her work in fashion, Zaya has also made significant contributions as the co-founder of Translatable, a digital platform created with her father to provide LGBTQ+ youth with a safe space for self-expression. In her interview, she shared insights into her skincare journey, highlighting the impact of hormone therapy on her beauty regimen. Embracing the transformative power of estrogen, Zaya expressed her happiness and confidence in her evolving self-care routine.
Not limited to her career achievements, Zaya also discussed her passion for makeup and hair as forms of self-expression, emphasizing the joy she finds in experimenting with different looks. She shared that through makeup and styling, she feels empowered and truly herself, ready to conquer the world. Zaya’s journey serves as an inspiration for individuals navigating their identity and pursuing their dreams with authenticity and resilience.
As she continues to make strides in the fashion industry and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Zaya Wade stands as a beacon of empowerment and representation for young individuals across the globe. Her courage in embracing her true self and defying industry norms serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and self-expression in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Zaya’s story resonates with many, encouraging others to embrace their identities unapologetically and pave their paths with confidence and purpose.