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Zaya Wade has had a busy year as a full-time high-school student and budding fashion icon. Throughout 2023, the 16-year-old made significant strides — marking her runway debut at Miu Miu's Paris Fashion Week, appearing on the cover of Dazed and Hommegirls magazine, globetrotting, and serving as an ambassador for Puma. Moreover, she plays a vital role as a public figure within the transgender teen community (read more about Zaya coming out at the age of 12 here).
When she isn't busy being iconic, Zaya, fortunately, finds time to relish the simple joys of teenage life. Her Instagram page is filled with jaw-dropping selfies and gorgeous outfit inspo (we’re obsessed with this leather trench). After only a few minutes on her profile, it becomes obvious that the fashionista has a knack for style. Thanks to her latest collaboration, she's been treating us to countless ways she pairs her beloved Puma sneakers with cute dresses, pants, and matching sets.
And as the year slowly comes to an end, Zaya’s finally getting the break she so well deserves. Spending it just the way she wants to — relaxing at home, enjoying quality time with her family, reading The Great Gatsby, and listening to her favorite vinyl albums on replay.
We caught up with Zaya to chat about her cherished holiday traditions, the gifts she's excited to both give and receive, and the valuable lessons she's learned in 2023.
Teen Vogue: What excites you most about the holiday season?
Zaya Wade: One part of me wants to say gifts but…with Christmas, I would say just the actual time that we spend together. As a family, we’re pretty busy — we're always going places or I'm in school. And during the holidays, we really do spend the whole day together. We always watch Christmas movies, and I love a movie marathon. I try to sprinkle in A Christmas Story every once in a while. That is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever.
Teen Vogue: What is your thought process when it comes to shopping for gifts?
Zaya Wade: Oh, I ask people what they want. I’m a bad gift giver. I just can't do it. So I definitely employ people to ask me as well because I don't like when people surprise me with gifts that I don't know about.
Teen Vogue: So what’s on your wishlist this year?
Zaya Wade: A bunch of albums on vinyl. I got a record player maybe a little less than a year ago. I was like, why not? I was so busy at school and traveling, that I forgot to use it until this past Thanksgiving break. And then I was like, wow, I need more records because this isn't enough. So when all my friends came up to me this year and asked what I want – I was like, I want records.
Teen Vogue: Could you share some of your all-time favorite vinyls that you've collected so far?
Zaya Wade: I have the SOS album, the Bewitched album, the Damn album, the Renaissance alum… Oh, I have Out of Character, all on vinyl. I received the Steven Universe soundtrack as a gift from my friend, who knew I wanted a record but didn't ask for specifics. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise, I do love that show.
Teen Vogue: What other items are currently on your shopping list?
Zaya Wade: I love clothes. This past year I've been shopping a lot more. So that's another big thing on my wishlist, clothes. I'm very much a sneaker or heel girl. So, my Puma sneakers have been my go-to. But I'm also leaning into my boot era. I'm just like, she needs a boot!
I also have a lot of fun with jewelry, especially when it comes to gifting. I like picking it out and it's one of the only things that I can easily gift people..if I've seen them in an outfit, I know this piece could go with that and so on.
Teen Vogue: I love a good sneaker as well. What motivated you to partner with Puma?
Zaya Wade: I would say that it's all about my love for fashion. Fashion is a tremendous conduit for expression, and I've discovered it to be a stress reliever and a source of mental health satisfaction. I just find it really soothing and it’s amazing that I get to work with these brands and these people that I love and appreciate.
When I was younger, looking at the kind of fashion world, it seemed so much bigger than I could comprehend. So when I got into it myself, I was so nervous. Like all of these people know all of these things that I don't. But to my surprise, I’ve gained so much support. I've been able to find such a strong community with Puma and collaborate and support other creators and ambassadors. It's been a great source of happiness this past year.
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Teen Vogue: Tell me about it! It seems today that we all have an obsession with fashion. Beauty too! Do you have any favorite beauty products?
Zaya Wade: So, as I’ve begun to wear more makeup throughout the year, skincare has become uber-important. I use PCA skin mainly. It just works best. I can also do wonders with a concealer and a blush. I also have a Glossier lip balm on me at all times. I cannot exist without that, so much so that I have a little caddy in my locker filled with lip gloss. I also love perfumes. No specific name, but I like a floral scent.
Teen Vogue: Thank you for sharing. The year is coming to a close. I'd love to know what’s a lesson you learned in 2023 that you'd like to pass on to your fans/followers.
Zaya Wade: Protect your peace. This past year, I struggled drawing the line between protecting my mental health and protecting other people. I've realized that you can take the time or space necessary for you to operate as the best version of yourself.
And as a former people pleaser, that isn't easy to do, especially in school, because I want to be this perfect student and this perfect friend. So I had to reflect and think because there is a lot of anxiety and stress that goes into anyone's life. No one wants to deal with the constant battle of putting yourself first. Figuring out what's best for me and how I can quell that anxiety has been a huge part of my year. I think that's why I have been so attuned to music this year, pun intended. I just found so much healing in it.
Teen Vogue: I love that. Speaking of putting yourself first, are there any achievements from this year are you particularly proud of?
Zaya Wade: Walking runway is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments ever. I've had some personal accomplishments, too. My birthday present from my dad was to be able to take a trip anywhere. I decided to go to Norway and it shocked a lot of people in my family, they were like, ‘what?’ Five years ago, I had this vivid dream of Norway. It was so incredible that I decided I wanted to visit and witness it in person. So I went and I did something that I usually wouldn't, an outdoor activity. I even hiked up a glacier. turning that dream into a real-life experience was amazing. I constantly think back to it when I want to remember good things that happened this year, and that was a major personal accomplishment.
