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Madeline Stuart is very different than most models. The 18-year-old young woman has Down syndrome, but she does not let that disability stop her from pursuing her dreams. She is taking the fashion industry by storm. She has become the new face of the accessories brand everMaya and women’s sportswear brand Manifesta.
Pushing The Boundaries Of Fashion
Madeline is fighting to prove that disabilities should not hold anyone back. Though she is struggling with weight gain, as many people with Down syndrome do, Madeline worked hard to get in shape and has achieved her dream of becoming a model. She hopes to inspire other disabled people to chase their own dreams. People have already been responding to her message. She now has 150,000 followers on Facebook and 16,000 followers on Instagram.
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Beautiful Inside And Out
The founders of everMaya were attracted to Madeleine’s ambition and dedication when they chose to make her the face of their brands. “Madeline has external beauty — Down syndrome or not,” Damian Graybelle, one of the co-founders, stated. “But secondly, she captures inner beauty, which is something the everMaya brand is all about….You have a young girl who wants to become a model, and instead of her mom dismissing this as a teenage fantasy, they hire a personal trainer, she loses 50 pounds. She is so inspiring and she epitomizes all those ideals about what real beauty is, not superficial beauty, real beauty that is more than skin-deep. The fact that she happens to be gorgeous is just a plus.” Graybelle says that they have been receiving positive comments from the public. In fact, many people believe that this type of exposure for Down’s syndrome is long overdue. “We’re a new brand, but we’re here, and we’re going to lead the charge. And it starts with Madeline.”
Changing Perceptions
Madeline believes that through modeling, she can change society’s perception of Down’s syndrome. Her success can make people view disabilities in a more positive light. “Modeling is changing society’s view of people with Down syndrome,” she says. “Exposure is creating acceptance in life and inclusion.” Manifesta agrees, and adds that Madeline is also changing the face of the modeling industry. “For years Madeline has fought against the struggles, both internal and external, that go along with Down syndrome. Through dance, swimming and cheerleading, she has worked to strengthen her heart and body. And through her modeling career, she has forced many to reconsider the conventional standards of beauty.”
SEE ALSO: He Keeps A Promise And Takes His Friend With Down Syndrome To Prom.
