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Dwyane Wade’s transgender model daughter Zaya, 17, stars in new fashion campaign

Dwyane Wade’s transgender model daughter Zaya, 17, stars in new fashion campaign

Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter, Zaya, has made an appearance in the latest fashion campaign for Who What Wear’s April issue.

The 17-year-old took to her main Instagram page on Wednesday to share images from the pH๏τo shoot – and opened up to the publication about her impending high school graduation and what is in store for her future.

Zaya – who came out as transgender in 2020 at age 12 – is the daughter of the former NBA star and his ex-wife Siovaughn Funches. They also share Zaire, 23.

The budding model struck a pose in one picture wearing a brown leather Miu Miu coat as well as a flashy gold belt that was wrapped around her waist.

She additionally slipped into a pair of closed-toed, white pumps and leaned against a light blue, vintage car for the snap.

Zaya – who recently attended Beyonce’s concert with stepmom Gabrielle Union – later took a seat on a green motorcycle while sporting a white Ferragamo trench coat.

Dwyane Wade's transgender daughter Zaya, 17, has made an appearance in the latest fashion campaign for Who What Wear's April issue

Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter Zaya, 17, has made an appearance in the latest fashion campaign for Who What Wear’s April issue

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A post shared by Zaya Wade (@zayawade)

The blue sky stretched out behind her in the image and was lined with pink cherry blossoms that were blooming on nearby trees. 

She also stood underneath the bright sunshine in an empty parking lot while donning a white Chanel tweed vest and matching shorts. 

Read More Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union take daughter Zaya on college tour article image

Zaya slipped into a pair of open-toed, white heels and styled her hair into a messy up do. 

The teenager had the chance to pose with a bunny while sitting inside what appeared to be a diner – and sported a black leather jacket and stylish shades. 

She relaxed at a wooden table that was filled with a number of items, such as a decorated cake, milkshakes and a plate of fries. 

Lastly, the model shared a pH๏τo of herself behind the counter of an eatery and put on a fashionable display in a tan Burberry coat and blue knit dress. 

White feathery details were added around the neckline of the outer piece which offered a unique flare to the overall look. 

While also talking to Who What Wear for its new campaign, Zaya discussed her own personal sense of style – and growing up with stepmom Gabrielle Union. 

Zaya - who came out as transgender in 2020 at age 12 - is the daughter of the former NBA star and his ex-wife Siovaughn Funches. They also share Zaire, 23

Zaya – who came out as transgender in 2020 at age 12 – is the daughter of the former NBA star and his ex-wife Siovaughn Funches. They also share Zaire, 23

While also talking to Who What Wear for its new campaign, Zaya discussed her own personal sense of style - and growing up with stepmom Gabrielle Union; seen on Monday in Inglewood

While also talking to Who What Wear for its new campaign, Zaya discussed her own personal sense of style – and growing up with stepmom Gabrielle Union; seen on Monday in Inglewood 

‘My stepmom has just instilled such a confidence in my femininity,’ the budding star expressed. 

‘I tried to compensate in every single way, and it was so draining. She was so adamant about telling me that I don’t have to look or act a certain way – I can just be me. And, oh my God, I thank her every day for it.’  

Zaya – who has already worked with luxurious brands such as Miu Miu – also talked about how she connects with fashion. 

‘I might be so crazy to say this, but sometimes, when I’m feeling down, I just go in my closet and form an outfit just to see what happens. And sometimes, if the outfit comes out good, my whole mood is fine.’ 

And with college on the horizon, the student has plans to pursue her pᴀssion in science – specifically to study astrobiology and to be a part of the STEM field. 

In regards to her future, Zaya explained, ‘I just feel like I’m trying to find my own version of what girlhood is. These are peak years. Everything is so exciting.

‘I didn’t really see that far ahead for myself when I was younger. Because of the experiences I’ve had over the last couple of years, I now have a hopeful outlook on my life. I just feel like, honestly, what is more impactful than being a teenage girl?’ 

And when it comes to navigating her teenage years, the media personality previously opened up about her dating life – and her parents’ feelings towards that big step. 

Zaya - who has already walked the runway for luxurious brands such as Miu Miu - also talked about how she connects with fashion; seen in Paris in 2023

Zaya – who has already walked the runway for luxurious brands such as Miu Miu – also talked about how she connects with fashion; seen in Paris in 2023 

While talking to Seventeen back in February, Zaya expressed: ‘They’re really cool about it. Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I’m like, “Oh, I like this person.”‘ 

The star added, ‘Although, my dad…he tries to scare any person I have interest in. He’s kind of intimidating.

‘The people I’ve dated have all been afraid of him in the first interaction. He’s gigantic and he has this deep, booming voice. But the facade only lasts for so long and you actually see his real personality. He’s a teddy bear.’ 

She also gushed about how her father has been supportive of her after she came out as transgender publicly five years ago. 

‘As an African American male, to be so openly and outwardly accepting. Because honestly, him being raised in a traditional Black household in Chicago…the culture there isn’t very queer-friendly. 

‘I hope that it will continue to inspire people to allow themselves to learn and understand queerness before bashing it,’ she told the outlet.   

Dwyane – who professionally played for Miami Heat during his pro NBA career – recalled the moment when Zaya came out to him, and how she had been scared, per The Hollywood Reporter. 

‘I came home and I just remember my daughter – my child – being scared to talk me, like hiding in my wife’s arm in the chair. I think I’m just the dad that’s like, “Hey, come and tell me anything. I’m a cool dad.”‘

While talking to Seventeen back in February, Zaya expressed: 'They're really cool about it. Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I'm like,

While talking to Seventeen back in February, Zaya expressed: ‘They’re really cool about it. Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I’m like, “Oh, I like this person”‘; seen in 2024 in Hollywood 

She also gushed about how her father has been supportive of her after she came out as transgender publicly five years ago

She also gushed about how her father has been supportive of her after she came out as transgender publicly five years ago

The moment made the sports star reexamine himself, ‘Because maybe I ain’t what I think I am. I haven’t done what I think. 

‘That first moment of seeing that – and I was having a conversation yesterday talking about this – I had to go look at myself in the mirror and ask why was my child scared to tell me something about herself.’ 

Dwyane has been by his daughter’s side to support her – and the pair have appeared at a number of red carpet events and also on social media together. 

Earlier this week on Monday, Zaya joined her stepmom Gabrielle Union to watch Beyonce at her Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 

The Bring It On actress tied the knot with Wade back in 2014, and the couple share Kaavia, six. 

Wade is also father to Zaire with ex-wife Siovaughn Funches and son Xavier, 11, with Aja Metoyer. And he is the legal guardian of his nephew Dahveon, 21. 

Earlier this week on Monday, Zaya joined her stepmom Gabrielle Union to watch Beyonce at her Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (seen above)

Earlier this week on Monday, Zaya joined her stepmom Gabrielle Union to watch Beyonce at her Cowboy Carter Tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California (seen above) 

The actress later jumped to social media to film herself while mingling with Zaya and other fans during the concert

The actress later jumped to social media to film herself while mingling with Zaya and other fans during the concert

Zaya and Union paused for memorable pH๏τos together while attending H&M’s celebration of its Studio Resort at the venue. 

The model was stylishly casual wearing a white tank top and miniskirt which were layered with a denim jacket. 

Gabrielle turned heads while sporting a cropped, fringed top as well as black leather bottoms. The pair both opted for black heeled boots for the lighthearted festivities. 

The actress later jumped to social media to film herself while mingling with Zaya and other fans during the concert.  

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