Recently stores and modeling agencies are starting to be more inclusive in their model selections. People want to see models who look more like regular people, not size zero photoshopped stick figures. We have had an increase in plus-size models with Tess Holliday and others. Now we have some ladies breaking down the barriers for people with a disability.
This is Madeline Stuart, the first model with Down Syndrome signed to an agency. This 18-year-old Australian beauty had struggled with her weight for a long time (a common problem of people with Down syndrome). But, she decided to get healthy and then pursue a career in modeling.
Her mother wrote a lovely blog about seeing her daughter’s dreams come true. She said that she consulted with other parents of children with Down syndrome, and she was surprised to have such positive feedback. She was told to share the photos of her daughter around the world, and that’s exactly what she has done. She created the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles for Madeline.
Madeline Stuart was the first person with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. ✨? pic.twitter.com/QYpRz6pvM0
— Fem 4 All ?️? (@projectFem4All) March 2, 2016
I have another lady to tell you about as well. Meet 32-year-old Katie Mead from Iowa; she is the first person with Down Syndrome to land a beauty contract. She is fronting the Beauty & Pin-ups campaign for new hair products. She said:
“It’s pretty cool because I love being a part of the Beauty & Pin-ups family, and I love being apart of Best Buddies and interacting with people. People see me for who I am and they see me not as someone with a disability, but that I have ability. And I like to try new different things and I inspire women to do that.”
The agency aptly posted that “beauty belongs to everyone.” Hopefully, more big names in the fashion industry will start becoming more inclusive with their model selections.
https://twitter.com/EJMD1977/status/717307714142146560
Featured image via Twitter.
