As the world recently celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, many stories honouring individuals born with trisomy of their 21st chromosome has been a source of inspiration for many families.
One such story is that of 19-year-old Madeline Stuart, the first model with Down Syndrome.
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Madeline has been proving that she is at par with the world’s greatest models: she has walked runways at New York Fashion Week, she has been the face of top sportswear and accessories, she has appeared in top women’s magazines, and she has become the face of lines of cosmetics and handbags. She even had a bag named after her!
Madeline at her for a luxry handbag line (photo: EverMaya)
LOOK: Model with bionic arm walks NYFW runway with her ‘mini-me’
Even at such a young age, the stunning Madeline has managed to break barriers and stereotypes imposed upon those born with Down Syndrome.
She has overcome so much in the pursuit of her dreams, starting at 8 weeks old, when she had to undergo open heart surgery.
A photo posted by Madeline Stuart (@madelinesmodelling_) on
Madeline was inspired to pursue modelling after seeing a fashion show for the first time. So her supportive mom organized a professional photo shoot and then posted the photos on facebook; the photos went viral and the rest is history.
"I am so excited that society is taking so much interest in the disability sector and our belief in inclusion is getting so much media coverage," Madeline told TODAY.
Go to next page to see photos from Maddy’s most recent campaign
Her most recent photo shoot wherein she's modelling stunning wedding dresses alongside a male model is earned her even more acclaim.
After seeing her model for FTL Moda, Isadora Martin-Dye, the owner of Rixey Manor, a wedding venue heard about her and asked her if she would be interested in modeling for their website.
"The wedding industry is set up to intimidate brides and couples. It's set up to where they feel like they can't do it," Isadora told CNN. "I guess my whole thing was that I wanted to show that anybody on that day in that dress is the most beautiful person you've ever seen."
Isadora further revealed that Madeline had so much fun modeling the beaded and lace-embellished gowns that she didn't want to take them off.
One in particular was her favorite.
"There was one dress that she put on and she had that moment that I had when I put on my wedding dress," Isadora said. "She wouldn't let her mom come in because she kind of wanted to do that reveal first look with her mom when she saw her in the dress for the first time."
A photo posted by Madeline Stuart (@madelinesmodelling_) on
A photo posted by Madeline Stuart (@madelinesmodelling_) on
Keep being your beautiful self, Maddy!
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