Fri 26 Feb 2010
Debenhams First With Disabled High Street Model
Posted by EPR Network under Apparel & Fashion, Art, Consumer Services, Entertainment, Featured, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping, Society
Released on: February 26, 2010, 9:06 am
Author: Debenhams
Industry: Retail
Debenhams is the first high street retailer to break the taboo of using disabled models in campaign photography.
Following an approach by Nikki Fox and Natasha Wood, both disability campaigners and presenters of the hit TV show ‘How to Look Good Naked’, Shannon Murray will appear in photography in the stores windows and online. Shannon, 32, has been confined to a wheelchair since breaking her neck in her teens
Shannon will join three other models appearing in imagery to promote the recently launched Principles by Ben de Lisi range which prides itself on its inclusivity. Joining Shannon will be Kate Fullman, a size 16 model, Tess Montgomery, a petite 5′4″ model and Tokumbo Daniel, a size 10 model. The Principles clothing range starts at size 8 and goes up to size 20 with a specific petite clothing offering.
Unlike other high street stores, Debenhams is showing an increasing willingness to inject some variety into the people modelling its clothes. The campaign follows hot on the heels of the retailer using size 16 mannequins in its windows.
Michael Sharp, Debenhams’ Deputy Chief Executive said: “We cater for women of all shapes and sizes, young and old, non-disabled and disabled so we wanted our windows to reflect this choice.
