Five-year-old Joseph becomes...Derek Zoolander

A five-year-old boy from Newark has been chosen to help launch Oxfam’s new national fundraising event.

Joseph Murfin was one of five youngsters selected to feature in promotional photographs of mini-fashion icons after he submitted a video audition describing his favourite fancy dress outfit.

The team organising Dressed By The Kids Day decided he would be perfect for the role of Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted but good-natured top male fashion model.

The character has been made famous by actor Ben Stiller in the Zoolander films, which are a satire on the fashion industry.

Photographs of Joseph as Zoolander are being used to promote the event on April 29, when parents and relatives are being encouraged to let their children dress them in exchange for sponsorship.

Joseph will be pictured alongside mini versions of Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine; Karl Lagerfeld, designer and creative director of Chanel; and Patsy and Eddy from TV show Absolutely Fabulous.

Blue steel pose

“I loved getting the chance to dress up as Zoolander and do my blue steel pose,” Joseph said.

“I can’t wait to dress my mummy and daddy up for Dressed By The Kids Day.”

His mother, Mrs Claire Murfin, said Joseph submitted his entry after being told that Oxfam was looking for children to be the face of its new event.

“We were delighted when his audition was successful as we knew it was something he would enjoy taking part in,” she said.

Mrs Murfin said Joseph had already decided what he wanted them to wear.

“He wants to dress me as a princess with a modern-day twist, so that will be fun,” she said.

“As he had so much fun dressing up as Derek Zoolander, he has decided to dress his dad up in that style.

“We are all looking forward to the experience as it’s a great way for the whole family to get involved in a fun way of raising money for a good cause.”

Joseph recently took part in the Lincoln Arts Festival, where he won two firsts and a second prize in the narrative prose and verse-speaking section.

He is a member of the Bizzykidz Casting Agency and is due to appear in the television documentary, The Kids Casting Agency, on Channel 4.

Aim to raise £500,000

The head of fundraising for Oxfam, Mr Tim Hunter, said the initiative — which has the theme ‘transform your look and transform lives in poverty’ — was a fun event with children at its heart.

“We were blown away by the adorable entries to our competition and hope the nation will be inspired to help Oxfam’s fight against poverty,” he said.

Dressed By The Kids Day aims to raise £500,000 to support Oxfam’s fight against poverty.

Anyone who wants to take part can sign up at www.oxfam.org.uk/dressedbythekids