Boden

Boden was one of the very first retailers to use a child model who had Down Syndrome, Thea Shiers and her sister were part of a winter campaign for the clothing company. Now we have seen more models rocking their designer genes in campaigns for high street giants such as Next and  Marks & Spencer.

When HDSSG saw that Boden was holding an open casting at their headquarters in London we sent on the invitation to all our families. The invitation had come around the time 4 year old  Seb White was included in the Christmas advertising for Marks & Spencer, the press were reporting on it and the social media sites were a buzz. It gave parents of children with additional needs a confidence that said ‘yeah, why shouldn’t our children be represented?’

And so 5 of our budding models and their families set off for the open casting at Boden House on the weekend leading up to World Down Syndrome Day.  21.03  is a day  that typically showcases the abilities and accomplishments of person with Down syndrome and encourages independence, self-advocacy and freedom for persons with Down syndrome to make their own choices. Quite fitting!

Good luck to Ben, Tess, Nina, Poppy & Oscar…. we think you are beautiful!