Francesca’s the face of Primark
A GIRL of seven with Down’s syndrome is the face of Primark after bosses loved her look.
Francesca Lockwood has been modelling for two years with jobs at Google, Mothercare and Early Learning Centre.
Her star personality has seen her win repeated bookings with
Primark and other major retailers.
Proud mum-ofthree Melissa Lockwood, 43, said: “Certain companies are leading the way with being more diverse in their choice of models.
“It is so important for people in the Down’s Syndrome community to see people like themselves achieving things in the mainstream.
“The more exposure the better and Primark is a great platform.”
Not only has Francesca, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, featured in photos, she has also appeared in TV commercials.
The casting directors at
Primark were so impressed, she has modelled ranges twice. Melissa added: “I love to see Francesca in campaigns. I remember the first time I saw her on a website, just how amazing it was.
“However it was topped by seeing her photos in store. I almost cried when we walked in and she was on the wall larger than life. I couldn’t believe it was my little girl up there.”
Francesca was excited and very proud too. Melissa added: “She loves telling people she’s in Primark.
“There may have been an element of her being chosen because she has Down’s Syndrome, but if that makes disabilities more visible then that can only be a good thing.
“Her disability may have ticked a box to start with – with brands keen to show their diversity, but since then she has been invited back.
“She has had repeated jobs with Primark and Mothercare not because she has Down’s Syndrome, but because she is a very good model, follows directions well and is professional.”
Melissa added: “I’d love it to be the norm for all types of people to see themselves represented in ad campaigns and in stores.”
Francesca is the youngest of three children. Both her siblings are also in the modelling industry and the family have featured in adverts together.
Melissa said: “We were at the cinema and an advert came on and Francesca shouted ‘it’s me’. Her face lit and she had the biggest grin.”