Launde Primary School pupil calls for inclusive shop mannequins

A pupil from Launde Primary School is seeking support from department store display teams after noticing that mannequins in her favourite shops all seemed to look the same.

In an effort to highlight the lack of diversity and encourage more representative displays, Mila Kumar, age 9, was helped by a member of staff called Helen at the Leicester Fosse Park M&S store, who suggested that Mila should write to the company with her ideas.

Mila’s mum is Neetu Kumar and in a covering note to the store she said, “I’m sharing this note from my daughter following our recent visit to your Leicester Fosse Park store. Her reflections were thoughtful and genuine, and prompted an important conversation between us…We know the influence organisations like M&S can have in shaping how people feel represented and included, and we hope this feedback is helpful as part of that ongoing journey.”

In her letter to M&S, Mila said, “I really liked looking at all the clothes because they were very pretty and colourful. But I also felt a bit sad and confused when I looked at the mannequins. All of the mannequins looked the same colour, and none of them looked like me or lots of other people I see in the world. I was wondering why there are not different colours of mannequins to show how different and special everyone is.” Mila also shared a photograph which she said would help to demonstrate her meaning.

Mila wrote, “I think it would be really nice if there were mannequins with different skin colours, because then more people could feel happy and see themselves in the clothes. I would love to see mannequins that are closer to my skin colour too.”

Photograph: Mila Kumar, age 9, a pupil at Launde Primary School in Oadby, is seeking more representation in shop displays.

Now Mila has received a reply from the team at M&S, with positive signs that her observations will prompt action. The letter said, “Your feedback matters to us, and we’ll be sharing your message with the teams who look after our stores and displays. They’re always working on how we can do better, and your idea about having mannequins with different skin tones is something we know will make them stop and think.

“… Thank you again for being so brave and kind in writing to us, Mila. You’ve sparked an important conversation, and we’re really glad you did.”

Mila said she is pleased that M&S have taken note commenting, “It made me proud when I got the letter back. My mum thought it would take longer for them to reply than 24 hours!

“I really hope they will talk about it now and change the mannequin skin colours. If I see a change in the store, I will be proud. I will try to find the lady in the store who first helped me, and say, ‘Look what happened!’”

Shelley Meer is Headteacher at Launde Primary School and she said, “I am incredibly proud of Mila, for the courage and thoughtfulness she has shown in writing to Marks & Spencer.

“Her simple but powerful question about representation reflects a deep understanding of inclusion and a confidence to speak up that is truly inspiring. Mila has shown that young people can challenge respectfully and meaningfully, and that their voices deserve to be heard.

“At Launde Primary School, we are committed to ensuring every child feels seen and valued. Mila’s actions embody these values, and we are delighted that her voice has prompted a response and sparked an important conversation. We are all immensely proud of her.”