Fashion brand River Island has hired child models for their latest campaign – all of whom have a disability. The campaign marks the high street chain’s 30th anniversary and the range of adverts is designed to celebrate diversity.
The children from across the UK are aged between two and eleven and have been diagnosed with conditions including Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and eyesight issues.
The bright, colourful shots celebrate each of the child stars. Take a look at the campaign shots here:
River Island
1 of 6Mia Wenham
Three-year-old Mia has cerebal palsy and epilepsy and can't crawl, stand or walk. Her mother Liz said: 'She absolutely loved the River Island shoot, she had a ball and really enjoyed the attention She'd really like to do something like that again.'
2 of 6Miley Major
Four-year-old Miley was born with two lazy eyes and now wears glasses to try and correct them. Mother Michelle said: 'Miley absolutely loved the shoot, it brought her out of her shell and gave her more confidence. She loves posing for the camera. She wowed everyone on the casting and now tells everyone she is Miley Major Model'.
3 of 6Lois Groom
Lois, age ten, from Hertfordshire was born with rare 18q deletion syndrome. Her mother Dawn said: 'I am so proud of Lois. She absolutely loves being in font of the camera and is a real natural'.
4 of 6Cora Bishop
Cora is six from North Wales and has Down's Syndrome. Her mother, Sheryl Bishop, said: 'She's a very girly girl and loved dressing up for the shoot.'
5 of 6Gabriel Sohota
Four-year-old Gabriel Sohota has Down's Syndrome and according to his mother Rebecca, 'he is so full of life and loves making people smile. It shows he is capable of achieving anything any other child can do. He has always liked social interaction and is an extrovert, which really helps in front of the camera.'
6 of 6Teddy Berriman
Teddy Berringham is five and has cerebal palsy which affects all four of his limbs. He is also partially sighted and has epilepsy, using a frame to move around. His mother Nicola Short said: 'Teddy loved the shoot and it gave him such a boost being able to do things which normal children do...It's lovely to show his disability is not a label, he is a person. He has been beaming ever since and showing people his photos.'
A spokeswoman for River Island said: ‘This spring we are celebrating 30 years of River Island with an exciting, positive campaign #LAVELSAREFORCLOTHES, that celebrates individuality.
‘We are launching the kids campaign on 12 February with a carefully curated cast of kids, ranging from 2-11 years, all share their desire to have fun which you can see through their unique personalities.
‘The models were selected for the campaign to reflect the diversity of our customers and celebrate an ethos that rings as true in society as it does our wardrobes, that being different is more than OK.’