
Down Syndrome beats Fashion
Meet Madeline Stuart, an Australian model who is going to be modelling for New York fashion week in September. Madeline is going to make history next month, not only because she is going to wear something very special, but because she exceeded her own expectations.
Madeline has Down syndrome, but she is an inspiration to us all. She is further proof that people can become more than what they are told to be or who can be. At the age of 18, she is going to walk the catwalk along local models everybody loves.
Madeline is going to join Jessica Hart, Miranda Kerr and Abbey Lee Kershaw on their gorgeous adventures for NYFW. Madeline did reveal earlier this year that she would hope to pursue the same path as Jamie Brewer, who was the first ever model to be cast for NYFW and also had Down syndrome.
Care what you wish for, huh? Stuart’s wish came true, but she got a little extra too. She is the first ever model with Down syndrome who scored two NYFW campaigns: one with Manifesta, an athletic wear company and another with everMaya, an eco-handbag company who chose Madeline’s face as their brand new image.
Madeline’s mother, Roseanne, expressed her pride and declared that this is an exciting adventure, one which will take her daughter “form one level to the next”. Roseanne also mentioned Jamie Brewer, but quickly pointed out that there is a “career” difference: “she’s a movie star, she’s not a model”.
With or without mother’s pride, the truth is just out there: Madeline’s career is pretty much set and it looks to be a bright one as well. This is what she does and what she loves doing, so having gone past this first challenge must be something fantastic and encouraging for her and her family.
FTL Moda also congratulated Stuart and celebrated her participation with a Facebook post. Damian Graybelle, the president of everMaya, also stated that to company is “absolutely thrilled to work with a talent like Madeline”.
Roseanne was very eager to tell the world how much her daughter worked for her dream. She said that nobody “chased the dream”, but Madeline did, she wanted it with all her heart, she worked for it and now she finally got it.
Madeline herself believe that this is not only a step forward for herself, but for society as well. On her Facebook page she wrote that modelling is a way of creating a different perception for people with Down syndrome and that exposure to it will “help to create acceptance”.
We wish Madeline good luck with her endeavors and we want her to change the world!
Photo Credits wordpress.com