CASSANDRA MULHERN
On 10 September, Brisbane’s Madeline Stuart will take to the catwalk at this year’s New York Fashion Week.
18 year-old Madeline, who has Down Syndrome will be modelling for fashion label FTL Moda, in association with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
When asked how she was feeling about heading over to NY Fashion Week Madeline squealed in delight.
“I’m so excited,” Madeline said.
Madeline’s mother and manager, Rosanne Stuart said that FTL Moda was the third company to approach Madeline and they were drawn to the company’s association with diversity charities.
“Everything we’ve done so far has had to do with body image or someone who’s giving to charity, because that’s what we’re all about,” Rosanne said.
NY Fashion Week isn’t the only exciting thing awaiting Madeline this year.
On 19 September Madeline will participate in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk in New York.
Rosanne said a trip to San Francisco will bring another exciting modelling opportunity for Madeline.
“She’s modelling in Melange, which is the biggest diversity fashion show in America and she’s actually getting awarded Model of the Year,” Rosanne said.
Some of Madeline’s opportunities to date have included working with Philadelphia fashion label, Manifesta.
Rachel Blumenfeld, founder of Manifesta said she first discovered Madeline after her pictures were circulating on Facebook.
“Madeline is the perfect model for Manifesta because our company is founded upon the idea of body positivity; we want to encourage women to love themselves no matter what their size, shape, colour, or ability,” Ms. Blumenfeld said.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition in which people are born with 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46, which effects development.