This is Madeline Stuart. She first broke the internet after becoming the world's first professional model with Down syndrome to star in a brand campaign.
Just this past New York Fashion Week alone, Stuart walked in eight runway shows, and she also debuted the third collection from her own fashion line, 21 Reasons Why.
"I got into [modeling] when I went to a fashion show in 2014 and fell in love with it," she told As/Is. "I told my mum I wanted to become a model and she took me to get a photo shoot done. When we posted [the photos] on my Facebook page, they were seen by 7.2 million people in a few days."
Supermodel @Madeline_Stuart completing her make up and hair opening look for @couture_femata -“business class”for New York Fashion Week 2018 powered by AHF #❤️Yourself#❤️God#❤️Godspeople https://t.co/AUX9kmPVJB
Her mother, Rosanne Stuart, told WWD: "She doesn’t need to prepare. She is just ready. It’s her whole thing. She just loves the catwalk. She is just in the zone at all times. She just gets in there, gets into hair and makeup and is excited. If they want her to be serious, she’s serious. They usually want her to get the crowd going."
In an industry that has been slow to growth, Stuart is focused on progress. "The biggest hurdle is getting companies to realize that diversity is the future and not to be scared to use me and other models that are diverse in campaigns," the model said to As/Is.
"I deserve to be treated the same as every other model. I work as hard as anyone else." https://t.co/2fGKy89Emf
Despite these obstacles, the 21-year-old has no plans on slowing down: "To break through these fashion barriers, I just keep working hard to prove I am worth their time and energy. My biggest goal is to walk in the major shows around the world for the biggest designers, and one day be a Victoria's Secret angel."
People like @holmanthompson, who noted that Madeline is seriously "an inspiration," can't help but swoon for the diversity advocate:
@Madeline_Stuart You are lovely inside and out -- I hope you have a brilliant career and lots of fun along the way. You are an inspiration to me -- thank you!
@JGaukel tweeted how NYFW was blessed to have such a runway star:
@Madeline_Stuart way to go! NYFW is lucky to have you! #breakingthemould
This user deemed Stuart "FabYouLous"and honestly, same:
.@Madeline_Stuart You are #FabYouLous 🌟🙌 😘 https://t.co/zurYVZT5MK
While this Twitter user hoped the overall inclusion continues:
@sunriseon7 @Madeline_Stuart Great example of inclusion. Hope it continues
And @AmandaWAGOASH praised her for slaying AND breaking barriers at the same time.
@Madeline_Stuart inspirational young Woman, great to read you're showing that Aussie (I'm not putting up with this!) & Showing the World how beautiful you are, while breaking down the barriers. #ugoozziegirl xo
WERK IT MADELINE!
