If you read our last feature on Fashion Fighters, we talked about the South African Albino model, Thando Hopa, who wanted to make a difference regardless of the stereotype.
Madeline Stuart, an 18-year-old model with Down syndrome, has come to do same by walking the runway at New York Fashion Week for FTL MODA.
Stuart follows in the footsteps of American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer, who walked in NYFW last season and became the first person with Down syndrome to do so.
The Australian model was put on the map earlier this year when modeling photos on her Facebook page went viral, and her career has since taken off.
During the show, Stuart wore a detailed white gown as well as a separates look comprised of a flowy printed tank and a pair of metallic shorts; both looks were designed by Hendrik Vermeulen.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan.com last month, Stuart’s mom said, “The thing I’d like people to take away from this is to not discriminate. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I would just like people to accept, love, and show kindness. That’s all this is about for us. The modeling is fun and everything, but it’s just a vehicle to get the message out. I think that’s why she’s done so well, is because this isn’t about us. It’s about fighting the fight for all the people out there that are a bit different that need to be loved.”
Read more here.
