Madeline Stuart: Model With Down Syndrome Steals The Show At New York Fashion Week


It seems nothing can stop Madeline Stuart from fulfilling her dreams.

The 18-year-old Australian model with Down Syndrome, who first came to worldwide attention after inspiring thousands of people by writing about her experiences on Facebook, has now added another feather to her cap. On Monday, Madeline Stuart became the second model with Down Syndrome to walk the ramp at the New York Fashion week after American Horror Story star Jamie Brewer, who did the catwalk back in February this year.

According to News.com.au, Stuart was handpicked to open and close the Hendrik Vermeulen segment of the FTL Moda runway event, attended by Hollywood stalwarts like Drew Barrymore and Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima.

Her debut at the New York Fashion Week completes an incredible four-month journey for the teen model, who took the world by storm in May, 2015, when her story on Facebook not only attracted worldwide attention, but paved her way for acquiring professional offers from global clothing brands such Manifesta and everMaya. Having lost over 44lb in a period of 18 months, Madeline is now considered a role model by striving millions who, despite unfavorable odds stacked against her, managed to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional model.

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Following her show-stealing walk at the New York Fashion Week, Madeline Stuart expressed her delight in her usual understated manner. Despite her overwhelming success, Stuart has not lost track of what set her out to accomplish her dream in the first place.

“It was fun. I feel good! I want to inspire people not to bully anyone to see worth in everyone as equals.”

Madeline’s mother, Rosanne, who has always stood by her daughter’s side and has been her guardian and mentor, reaffirmed our need to look at the inner beauty of things.

“Let’s not pretend just some people are beautiful. Let’s not just say beauty is this one thing. Because it’s not. Beauty is in every single person. Just look.”

Stuart has already been booked to walk in Tokyo, Milan, and again in New York next year. Though Madeline had a passion for modeling since a young age, suffering from Down Syndrome prevented her from pursuing her dreams till much later, when she finally managed to shrug off opposition to her chosen career path. Now, her mother hopes Stuart is destined for even greater things.

“Obama will go down in history as being the first black president of America. You saw people like Martin Luther King changing things for black people. You’re going to read about Madeline in the years to come in history books – about being this person who changed the face of disabilities.”

Everyone wishes Madeline Stuart all the best for her future.

[Photo by Chance Yeh / Getty Images]

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