Down syndome model Madeline Stuart walks the New York Fashion Week runway for FTL Moda

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Brisbane's Madeline Stuart, 18, modelled in New York Fashion Week
She walked for American label FTL Moda in a series of designs
She dressed in an ethereal gold and white gown and edgy shirt and shorts
Madeline is the second Down syndrome woman to walk the NYFW runway

By Lauren Grounsell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 23:06 EST, 13 September 2015 | Updated: 20:23 EST, 14 September 2015

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In the space of 12 months, Madeline Stuart has gone from fashion spectator to the face of change.

The inspirational 18-year-old has single-handedly challenged society's perception of beauty - and there is no doubt she has succeeded.

On Monday Madeline made her debut on the New York Fashion Week runway for American label FTL Moda's Spring 2016 collection, making her the second ever Down syndrome woman to model on the NYFW catwalk.

Defining moment: Brisbane model Madeline Stuart, who lives with Down Syndrome, made a statement on the FTL Moda runway

Cutting edge: Madeline walked the runway hand-in-hand with two Avatar-inspired painted men

Madeline cut an elegant figure on the runway - her long-red hair swept in to a styled up-do and her face painted in silver and blue.

With all eyes on her, Madeline seemed humbled by the experience as she held one hand to her chest before extending both arms to the crowd.

The inspirational teen looked ethereal in a one-sleeved gown that hugged her figure in a corset-style gold bodice that extended at the hips in three-tier detailing before falling in feather-like ruffles to the floor.

Next, she paired an edgy halter-neck top - that sported a picture of a fish - with wet-look shorts and chunky gold sandals.

FTL Moda is a bi-annual event that showcases new talents in the fashion and modelling fields.

Humbled: Dressed in an ethereal full-length gown, Madeline cut an elegant figure as the crowd applauded her NYFW debut

Dressed to impress: Madeline showed some attitude as she posed with staff on the catwalk at NYFW

Madeline's journey from Brisbane teenager to high-fashion model is one she has taken in her stride.

Upon realising her dream, Madeline worked with a steely determination to get there.

Daily Mail Australia previously reported Madeline swam five times a week, trained with the Special Olympics, did cheer-leading and hit the gym to shed 20 kilograms in the lead-up to her modelling debut.

But it's not just Madeline's physical changes that left a lasting impact.

Cutting edge: Madeline wore a halter-neck top that featured a fish-like creature paired with wet-look shorts

Elegant in gold: US wheelchair model Leslie Irby posed on the runway during the Spring 2016 collection by FTL Moda

Pillar of support: Madeline's mother, Rosanne Stuart, hugged her daughter on the NYFW runway

After her first photo shoot, Madeline's mother, Rosanne, posted the photos on social media.

They quickly went viral.

Madeline's confidence and determination made her a poster girl for other people with Down syndrome, and gave other parent's hope that their children could achieve anything they set out to.

Behind the scenes: Madeline gets her hair done before the FTL Moda Presentation of the Spring/Summer 2016 collection

Face of change: Through her career as a model Madeline hopes to change society's views of people with disabilities

In the lead up to NYFW, Rosanne told Cosmopolitan the world was ready for people with intellectual disabilities to grace the catwalk.

‘I think that’s why she’s done so well,’ Rosanne said.

‘Because this isn’t about us. It’s about fighting the fight for all the people out there that are a bit different.’

Time to make a change: Rosanne said the world was ready for people with intellectual disabilities to grace the catwalk

Thinking of others: Madeline's mother credited her daughter's success to 'fighting the fight for all people' that are a 'bit different'

Inspiring: Madeline travelled to New York with her mother, Rosanne (left), to do her first fashion show for American label FTL Moda under the direction of Pablo Patane (right)

Her NYFW debut was not the first time Madeline has taken to the runway in New York.

She has previously walked in support of auto immune awareness, in addition to a number of editorial and commercial campaigns.

The fearless red-head became the face of cosmetics company Glossigirl and lent her name to lifestyle brand EverMaya for a new handbag - with proceeds donated to the National Down Syndrome Society.

Glitz and glamour: Madeline has modelled for Glossigirl and has a handbag named after her by EverMaya

To the Big Apple: Ms Stuart wrote 'Yahoo and yippee' on her Facebook page to her 435,000 followers following the announcement that she would model at NYFW

New York Fashion Week is not the end of the runway for Madeline, who later this year plans to visit Sweden and Russia to advance her career.

Rosanne told Daily Mail Australia last month that her daughter's success is a testament to the growth of the equality movement and the new model's dedication.

‘She’s worked hard for it. People with Down syndrome can do anything,' she said.

'I think it is time people realised that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful.

'We will only continue doing this as long as Maddy is happy doing this. It's only what makes Maddy happy that's important.'