At just 15 years old, Zaya Wade has already established herself as an inspiration and role model to many. The young girl previously came out as transgender in February 2020 and has since received both immense support and overwhelming criticism from haters upset by her self-expression. Thankfully, father Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union have showered the rising star with love, giving her the confidence to make her dreams come true.
Over three years after announcing her identity to the world, Zaya was granted an official name and gender change last month. The decision came following a lengthy legal battle between the athlete and his ex-wife, Ziohvaughn Funches. She reportedly felt as though Dwyane was "pressuring" their child to "move forward" with the recent changes "in order to capitalize on financial opportunities."
Zaya Wade's Major Life Changes
The family patriarch's argument was that he simply wants Zaya to "live more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life." Clearly, the judge sided with Dwyane, who's been consistently using his platform to uplift his daughter's LGBTQ+ identity while fighting hate and miseducation from internet trolls. She's obviously been celebrating with her closest friends and family in the days since her name and gender change, but it wasn't until today that she really got to commemorate the special moment.
During Paris Fashion Week, Zaya made her designer runway debut, walking in Miu Miu's F/W 2023-24 presentation. She was styled in an oversized knit blazer in a gorgeous olive green colour, worn over a matching weather and pencil skirt underneath. The model carried a stunning brown leather bag under her arm, pairing it with matching slingback shoes that helped her strut with confidence.
Miu Miu Runway Debut
As Page Six notes, Zaya's parents cheered her on from the front row, along with the Wade family's stylist, Thomas Christos Kikis. "I'm not crying, you are," the proud father wrote on his Instagram Story while showing his teenage daughter off to the world. Elsewhere on the runway, horror actress Mia Goth, The Crown star Emma Corrin, and musician Ethel Cain were all tapped to show off Miu Miu's latest look. Tell us your thoughts on Zaya Wade's runway debut in the comments below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
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