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11/02/2024 01:28:30 pm

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Brisbane-Based Model with Down Syndrome, Madeline Stuart To Walk at New York Fashion Week

Actress Jamie Brewer who has Down syndrome walks at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

(Photo : Brian Ach/Getty Images) Actress Jamie Brewer walks the runway during the Role Models Not Runway Models - Carrie Hammer Runway - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2015 at Lightbox on February 12, 2015 in New York City.

Brisbane-based teen model Madeline Stuart, who had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, will walk the catwalk at the New York Fashion Week in Sept. The 18-year-old Australian model has bagged the fashion gig for fall 2015. She will be walking the ramp for American label FTL Moda at the biennial fashion event.

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The brand took to Facebook and shared the big news, People reported. "It is with the utmost joy and pride that we announce Madeline Stuart's participation in #FTLModa #NYFW #SS2016 presentation. Beautiful Madeline will brighten up the runway at the #VanderbiltHall on September 13th 2015 (sic). Stay tuned and RSVP!" reads the post.

Madeline immediately took to Instagram to share this exciting news with her 61,500 followers. She also shared the picture and the news with her 435,000 strong fans on Facebook.

She said on her Facebook page that modelling will help change the perspective that society has towards people afflicted with this genetic disorder. Madeline's mother Roseanna, who assisted her teenage daughter with the caption stated that exposure will help to create acceptance for such people.

The young Australian joins the ranks of top local top models like Jessica Hart, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Miranda Kerr, who have walked on the catwalk at the NYFW.

She will be the second woman with Down syndrome to walk on the NYFW catwalk, the first being actress Jamie Brewer of "American Horror Story" fame. Brewer who is also inflicted with Down syndrome, made history when she walked the runway for Carrie Hammer in Feb.

However, Brisbane girl Stuart first made headlines three months ago when she launched a campaign to end the stigma around disability with the hopes of becoming a model. She wanted to change how the world perceives beauty and challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.

The teen landed two major professional modelling campaigns in July. She starred in an ad for the American athletic wear brand Manifesta, besides modelling for everMaya, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand. The president of the company said that they were thrilled to work with Stuart for their new campaign. They were happy that everMaya encapsulated the spirit of inclusion with Stuart as its brand ambassador. 

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