The Trafford Centre set out on a journey this July to find fresh, unique faces that would embody individuality while championing inclusivity in the fashion industry for their brand-new modelling campaign.
After an open casting call that welcomed over 500 eager participants, five local models were selected to represent the spirit of authenticity and uniqueness.
It was a call to celebrate what makes each of us special, and the result was a diverse lineup of inspiring individuals who are now front and centre in Trafford Centre’s seasonal campaign.
Their faces will not only light up the shopping destination but will also shine across social media and marketing materials, spreading a message of hope, beauty, and inclusivity.
As if landing a major campaign with one of the North West’s largest retail spaces wasn’t enough, these talented models also secured a prestigious contract with Zebedee Talent, kickstarting their careers and unlocking endless opportunities in the world of fashion.
Each of the five models brings their own unique journey and powerful message.
These new faces are more than just models—they are role models.
We sat down with the five fresh faces for Trafford Centre’s new seasonal campaign to find out more about them.
Husna Wahid, Monsall
A strong single mother of three teenagers, Husna has been determined to work hard to change stereotypes and stigmas.
After becoming a single mother at the age of 24, escaping a challenging relationship with three young children and no driving license, home, savings or income, Husna worked her way up to becoming a successful broadcast journalist in TV and has worked on major shows for the BBC, ITV as well as productions for Google.
As a proud south Asian Muslim woman in a headscarf, she does not let anything hold her back and wants to represent a community which she feels is often misrepresented.
Charlotte Daley, Wythenshawe
Charlotte’s infectious personality and her zest for life made her a standout in the model search, and she’s showing that nothing can hold her back from achieving her goals in life.
23-year-old Charlotte has autism as well as severe lung disease which can see her using oxygen as well as having scoliosis and a gastronomy.
None of this stops Charlotte from proudly championing what makes her different and being a role model to young people, as she shows that being different can make all of us beautiful in our own unique way.
Faith Hiles, Preston
As a professional dancer, Faith has spent years training and performing around the world as well as teaching others how to dance.
After being diagnosed with alopecia universalis in 2010 and then battling hair loss all over her body, Faith has now embraced her appearance and wants to help others who face the same.
As a role model for those going through hair loss, she speaks openly on social media about how she has rebuilt her confidence as she helps others to do the same.
Kai F T Da’Costa, Castlefield
Championing pain and disability, Kai embraces his left arm limb indifference, speaking openly about his experiences of neuro rehab and spinal surgery, mental health and pain.
An MSc psychology student at Manchester Metropolitan University, Kai is vocal on social media and is an advocate for not letting anything in life hold you back.
Sporting bold dreadlocks and an infectious smile, he stood out in the casting call for his humour, confidence and for showing that we are all different but in our own unique way.
Sam Maitland, Ardwick
Stepping forward as one of the search’s mature models, Sam Maitland is a singer and songwriter who is originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Sam’s career in music has seen him support artists around the world and work as a percussionist and African drum teacher.
Sam’s vibrant personality and love of music shines through in everything he does.
As one of the mature models in the final line up, he’s proving that it’s never too late to do something new.
Zebedee Talent Agency
Zoe Proctor, Co-Director and Co-Founder of Zebedee Talent, explained the inspiration behind the search: “Our goal was to find people who not only celebrated their diversity but wanted to share their unique stories with the world.
“Fashion isn’t about fitting into one box, and Husna, Charlotte, Faith, Kai, and Sam have all shown that. Each of them embodies something powerful and inspiring, proving that beauty truly has no boundaries.”
The campaign’s message resonates deeply with Trafford Centre itself.
Simon Layton, Trafford Centre Director, said: “These five models reflect the diverse community we serve every day.
“We wanted to show that fashion is for everyone, and our casting search proves that when you remove the boundaries, incredible things happen. Each person brings a story that will inspire others to embrace who they are and what they can achieve.”
Trafford Centre’s latest campaign is a celebration of the beauty of diversity and a reminder that everyone, regardless of background or appearance, has something special to offer.
It’s a feel-good celebration of individuality, self-expression, and the endless possibilities that come from being unapologetically yourself.
You can find out more about What’s going on at the Trafford Centre by clicking here