An Australian teenager with Down’s Syndrome is continuing to dispel myths about disability after being announced as one of the models due to hit the catwalk during New York Fashion Week.
Madeline Stuart will become the second woman with Down’s Syndrome to grace the catwalk at one of the most prestigious events in the fashion calendar in September. The 18-year-old, who has over 430,000 followers on Facebook, will model for FTL Moda, which used disabled models and amputees for its AW2015 show earlier this year.
FTL Moda confirmed with "the utmost joy and pride" that Madeline would be featured in its 13 September presentation.
She will follow in the footsteps of the American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer, who was the first woman with Down's Syndrome to appear on the Fashion Week runway in February.
Madeline burst onto the scene earlier this year when her mother Rosanne launched an online campaign to get her daughter a modelling contract. Within weeks, the Brisbane-born teenager had amassed a huge social media following and signed two modelling deals.
Jamie Brewer: The first Down's Syndrome model walks at New York Fashion Week
Rosanne told Cosmopolitan magazine that Madeline’s profile grew so quickly because she had worked hard to pursue her dream of modelling. “She wanted this and she worked hard for it," said Rosanne. "I've done everything I can on the business end to get her to this stage. Now it's just her working her charm.”
Stuart has also signed a modelling contract with American fitness-wear brand Manifesta and was made the face of a new handbag collection from everMaya.
