Eighteen year-old Australian Model with Down syndrome Madeline Stuart has proven that no hurdles are insurmountable for a person with dreams as she is bound to make her debut at the New York Fashion Week to be held at the Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall this fall.
The Brisbane-born model was invited by Italian fashion show presenter FTL Moda who excitedly tweets about Stuart's upcoming gig in the NYFW using the hashtag #FashionFreeFromConfines, the Daily News reported.
According to MTV News, the company is known for including people with disabilities to support diversity and has already featured a male amputee in its last show. This move has prompted people to pursue their dreams with no barriers to block them.
Stuart is the second person with Down Syndrome to walk in the anticipated semiannual fashion week following the footsteps of her idol, "American Horror Story" star Jamie Brewer, who made her strut in the fashion show last winter.
Stuart's supportive mother, Rosanne, said that Madeline's dream to become a model like her fellow Australian Miranda Kerr started last year. Since then, Stuart has shed over 40 pounds by following a healthy lifestyle and doing things that she loves like swimming, dancing and cheerleading.
Stuart made news last May as her mother posted pictures of her in an orange bikini and a floral dress on Facebook which went viral. Rosanne has also been doing interviews for her daughter as the model is still shy around people.
According to Daily News, Madeline has also booked to make several campaigns with Australian label Living Dead, the American athletic brand Manifesta, as well as the Rochester, NY-based Guatemalan lifestyle company EverMaya.
Evermaya has already released a limited edition handbag named "The Madeline" in honor of the model, AJC wrote. Five percent of the sales of said handbag amounting to $120 each will proceed to the National Down Syndrome Society.
