'If she doesn’t get as much attention, it means it’s becoming the norm': Down syndrome model Madeline Stuart set to return to New York Fashion Week runway
- Madeline Stuart walked for FTL Moda at New York Fashion Week in 2015
- She received a standing ovation and made global headlines
- Her mother, Rosanne Stuart, said Madeline will again walk for FTL Moda
- She said Madeline is treated no differently to any other models
- They hope to inspire people that feel isolated to make a change
When Madeline Stuart graced the runway at New York Fashion Week in September she made global headlines.
The Brisbane 18-year-old had single-handedly challenged society’s perception of beauty, and her inspiration story was cast in to the spotlight as a catalyst for change.
In February Madeline, who has Down syndrome, will once again take to the iconic runway.
But her mother Rosanne Stuart told Daily Mail Australia while the attention that Madeline received helped further their messages of inclusion and diversity, less attention would mean models with a disability were ‘becoming the norm’.
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Face of change: Madeline Stuart, 18, of Brisbane will walk for FTL Moda in New York Fashion Week in February
Making headlines: Madeline first walked in NYFW in September making global headlines and earning a standing ovation
‘If she gets lots of attention it’s amazing because we can speak to the world about inclusion and diversity,’ she said.
‘In a way if she doesn’t get as much attention it means it’s becoming the norm.
‘It’s a win either way.’
Changing perceptions: ‘In a way if she doesn’t get as much attention it means it’s becoming the norm,' Ms Stuart said
Inspirational: Ms Stuart said Madeline enjoyed modelling, but their purpose was to help others who felt isolated
Madeline will walk for American label FTL Moda, the same label she represented at New York Fashion Week in September 2015, wearing Hendrik Vermeulen.
Ms Stuart said modelling was something Madeline loved and she was excited to be invited back to New York, but their purpose was to help people that felt isolated.
‘The first step to change is becoming aware and the second step is acceptance,’ she said.
Encouraging inclusion: ‘The first step to change is becoming aware and the second step is acceptance,’ Ms Stuart said
Fashion forward: Madeline will walk for FTL Moda, attend a clothing launch party, Valentine's Day event and take part in a magazine shoot
‘I think 95 per cent of discrimination happens because people are not aware, they’re naïve.
‘Just talking to people with a disability makes them feel included, equal and good about themselves.’
She said Madeline had inspired others who struggled with feelings of isolation or addiction to make a change.
She has more than 508,000 followers on Facebook and 112,000 on Instagram.
Madeline and Ms Stuart will be in New York from February 11 to 17 where Madeline will attend FTL Moda’s clothing launch party, Valentine’s Day event and a magazine photo shoot in addition to her catwalk duties.
Ms Stuart said Madeline is the first model with Down syndrome to walk twice at NYFW and she was treated no different to to the other models.
‘She’s a professional model now,’ she said.
Part of the industry: Ms Stuart said Madeline was a professional model and was treated the same as everyone else
Career aspirations: Her goal is to take part in Tokyo and Milan fashion weeks in late 2016
‘As a model she’s treated the same, she goes to dress rehearsals, make-up rehearsals … does eight hours a day and is paid like everyone else.
‘I think that’s amazing.’
Ms Stuart said their goal was for Madeline to walk in Tokyo and Milan fashion weeks in late 2016.
Helping others: Madeline will travel to Uganda and South Africa to host a fundraising event for people with disabilities
Making a difference: ‘We’re touching the lives of people that need it touched the most,' Ms Stuart said
In the mean time she will travel to South Africa and Uganda, where Ms Stuart said children with disabilities are believed to be sins.
There they will hold a fundraiser with more than 2,000 people.
‘I’m so excited about that,’ Ms Stuart said.
‘We’re touching the lives of people that need it touched the most.’
Moment to remember: Madeline will walk again for FTL Moda after September's appearance earned her a standing ovation
New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 will be held from February 10.
Madeline will walk for FTL Moda, a bi-annual event that showcases new talents in the fashion and modelling fields.
Her involvement in September’s show earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.
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