Ellie Goldstein is a model with a mission. The 18-year-old is a face of Gucci’s Unconventional Beauty campaign - making her the first model with Down syndrome to pose for the luxury brand.
“It feels so amazing and fabulous to be part of the Gucci Beauty campaign,” Goldstein told British Vogue. “I feel so proud of myself, especially to have been chosen for this.”
The Unconventional Beauty campaign was an initiative launched by Gucci Beauty and Photo Vogue Festival on Instagram earlier this year. Goldstein was one of several models selected to be featured in a digital editorial shoot for Gucci Beauty and Vogue Italia, in which she modeled the new Gucci L’Obscur Mascara.
“I designed L’Obscur mascara for an authentic person who uses makeup to tell their story of freedom, in their way,” Gucci's creative director, Alessandro Michele, said.
The campaign was shot by London-based photographer, David PD Hyde, who shared on Instagram that there was representation for disabilities behind the scenes as well. “Half of the team who are behind this shoot have some form of physical disability too,” wrote Hyde, counting himself among them. “But this has not stopped us to become who we are.”
Goldstein is signed with Zebedee Management, a talent agency representing models with disabilities. In addition to her latest work with Gucci Beauty and Vogue Italia, she has been featured in campaigns for Nike, Superdrug and Vodafone.
And she plans to continue breaking down barriers and furthering awareness of and representation for people with disabilities with her work.
“There needs to be more positivity out there and people should give us a chance and not be so ignorant,” Goldstein said of overcoming stereotypes.
“Representation is very important to me - let the world see that anyone can model and act with a disability.”
