Model with Down Syndrome To Walk Runway At New York Fashion Week

Madeline Stuart is a model with down syndrome who will be making her New York Fashion Week debut by walking the runway for her first time. The 18-year-old inspiration from Australia has gained quite a following on social media for her stunning photos, and even signed to Brisbane as one of their featured models. Stuart is now following in the footsteps of American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer, who was the first model with down syndrome to walk the runway in NYFW. She will be the first model with down syndrome to be booked for two separate Fashion Week campaigns, with one being for FTL Moda on September 13, and the second being everMaya.

EverMaya is not only including Stuart on her runway as a model, but they’re also going to be releasing a line of limited edition handbags in honor of her. Reports say that the name of the line is set to be The Madeline, which was voted by her Facebook following. Damian Graybelle of the company commented:

“The experience working with her has had a positive impact on me personally as well as professionally. I just never expected that our campaign with Madeline would have had such an affect on people. I have spoken with so many parents of children with special needs that have told me how our partnership with her has given them hope and changed their perspectives on what the future holds for their children.”

 Guess who is modelling in NY for NY fashion week xx

A photo posted by Madeline Stuart (@madelinesmodelling_) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:30am PDT

Her family has expressed how proud they are of their shining star model to Cosmopolitan magazine, with her mother telling the outlet, "When we were asked to do New York Fashion Week, I wasn't surprised at all. I don't think anything really surprises me anymore. She's been asked to do a lot of stuff and I was hoping to she'd get asked to do NYFW but I assumed it would happen. I hope that doesn't sound too pretentious."

Madeline Stuart has already been featured in a few other national campaigns in the past, including everMaya and fitness brand Manifesta, but this will be the first time she takes her talents to the Big Apple’s runways during fashion week this coming Fall season.