beauty

Meet the Brisbane teen about to hit the catwalk for New York Fashion Week.

 

Remember her name.

Brisbane teenager Madeline Stuart has announced that she is set to make her debut later this year at New York Fashion Week.

18-year-old Madeline – who has Down Syndrome – is determined to change the way we define beauty and shared the exciting news on Instagram that she will walk the runway in September.

Madeline made the announcement on Instagram. Image via Instagram.

She will be modelling for FTL Moda, who posted on Facebook that they were proud to have Madeline appearing in their show, writing, “It is with the utmost joy and pride that we announce Madeline Stuart’s participation in #FTLModa #NYFW #SS2016 presentation. Beautiful Madeline will brighten up the runway at the #VanderbiltHall on September 13th 2015. Stay tuned and RSVP.”

Earlier this year, Madeline became a social media sensation after posting her modelling shots on Facebook and Instagram in an attempt to find a modelling agency.

At the time, her mother Rosanne told the Daily Mail, “I think it’s time people realised that people with Down Syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated.”

“Only when she gets lots of attention through social media will the modelling world look at her, this is unfortunate but true and she really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability.”

Madeline Stewart is incredibly popular on Facebook and Instagram. Image via Instagram.

It’s been a busy few months since the Stuart family first took to social media to garner some publicity for Madeline, and she now has over 429,000 likes on Facebook, and 55,500 followers on Instagram.

ADVERTISEMENT

And since her profile has taken off, Madeline has also earned herself two clothing campaigns and a namesake bag in addition to her coveted position on the New York Fashion Week runway.

Earlier this year, Madeline met actress Jamie Brewer who made history in February as the first model with down syndrome to walk in New York Fashion Week.

Scroll through for more of Madeline. Post continues below.

Although Madeline enjoys modelling, her mum says that it is about more than that, and they hope her public profile will provide a platform for Madeline to make a real difference in changing the way people with disabilities are perceived.

“I would just like people to accept, love, and show kindness. That’s all this is about for us. The modelling 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.” she told Cosmopolitan.

What do you think about how Madeline’s changing the way we look at people with disabilities?

For more, try these… 

Aspiring model with Down’s Syndrome is changing the face of beauty.

We hope that one day no one will think there’s anything unusual about this child model.

Her child has Down Syndrome. This is what she did.

 

Tags: