London - Striding confidently down the catwalk, her rich purple gown was accessorised with a broad smile.
Madeline Stuart, who has Down’s Syndrome, wowed the audience as she modelled the luxurious design by Josefa Da Silva at New York Fashion Week. The 18-year-old also wore a Russian-inspired look by Lulu et Gigi – including a furry hat and boots – at the show organised by FTL Moda.
Her mother Rosanne said that it should be the “norm” to see diverse models such as her daughter. “If she gets lots of attention it’s amazing because we can speak to the world about inclusion,” she said.
“And if she doesn’t get attention it means it’s becoming the norm. It’s a win either way.”
The appearance was Australian Stuart’s second time at an FTL show. She also took to the catwalk last year, and said she hoped her return would show that her inclusion was not tokenistic. Writing on her website, Stuart has spoken about her aspirations to alter the perception of people with disabilities.
She said: “I hope through modelling I can change society’s view of people with disabilities, [with] exposure creating awareness, acceptance and inclusion.”
The teenager decided to persue her modelling career after losing more than three stone (about 19kg) in an attempt to become healthier.
Daily Mail