Down syndrome model Madeline Stuart to walk catwalk at New York Fashion Week

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18-year-old Madeline Stuart has been cast in New York Fashion Week
The Brisbane girl will walk the catwalk for FTL Moda on September 13
She has Down syndrome and has three holes in her heart and a leaky valve
She launched her social media pages just three months ago
She has more than 435,000 Facebook followers and is the face of labels

By Rachel Eddie For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 01:38 EST, 17 August 2015 | Updated: 08:48 EST, 17 August 2015

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Madeline Stuart, the renowned Brisbane model with Down syndrome, will strut the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.

Madeline 'Maddy' Stuart will model the prestigious biannual event for American label FTL Moda in September, who cast her 'with the utmost joy and pride'.

FTL Moda made the announcement on their Facebook page earlier this month, writing that 'Beautiful Madeline will brighten up the runway at the #VanderbiltHall on September 13th 2015.'

'Guess who is modelling in NY for NY fashion week xx' Ms Stuart wrote to her 60,000 Instagram followers

Ms Stuart wrote 'Yahoo and yippee' on her Facebook page to her 435,000 followers following the announcement that she would model at NYFW on September 13

Ms Stuart will follow in the footsteps of fellow Australian top models like Abbey Lee Kershaw and Miranda Kerr to become the second woman with Down syndrome to model on the NYFW catwalk.

‘Yahoo and yippee,’ the 18 year-old wrote on her Facebook page following the announcement.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Madeline’s mother Roseanna said the world is ready for people with intellectual disabilities to be represented on the catwalk.

‘I think that’s why she’s done so well,’ the mother said. ‘Because this isn’t about us. It’s about fighting the fight for all the people out there that are a bit different.’

Madeline’s mother 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.'

The Brisbane girl first made headlines just three months ago when she launched a campaign to end the stigma around disability with the hopes of becoming a model.

Aussie Madeline Stuart with down syndrome models in New York

Madeline Stuart will become the second woman with Down Syndrome to ever walk the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. The 18 year-old posted this picture to her 60,000 Instagram followers, wearing EST designs by Thelna

The 18 year-old only launched her social media pages in May, but has attracted more than 435,000 Facebook followers and almost 60,000 followers on Instagram already

After launching her social media pages in May, Ms Stuart has attracted more than 435,000 Facebook followers and almost 60,000 followers on Instagram.

After garnering so much support and traction, accessories company EverMaya announced that Ms Stuart would be the face of their new line which launched last week – and it’s even named after her.

'There is absolutely nothing about Madeline that projects "disability",' Damian Graybelle, CEO of EverMaya, told Daily Mail Australia last month.

'Madeline is not simply a role model for people with disabilities, she is a role model for anyone that wants to better themselves, and get more out of life,' he said.

'We have received overwhelming support for taking this step, and in my mind it was long, long overdue. EverMaya is proud to be among the leaders in the fashion industry in changing the face of modelling.'

She also recently landed a modelling contract for diversity-positive brand Manifesta, fronting the campaign for the US-based activewear.

Maddy Stuart is the face of EverMaya, who launched a handbag line this week named after the Brisbane model

American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer, who also has Down syndrome, made history walking for Carrie Hammer in February.

Ms Stuart's story went viral after Daily Mail Australia first reported on her pursuing her catwalk dream, shedding 20 kilograms.

She began swimming five times a week, went to cricked training sessions with the Special Olympics, and did cheerleading, as well as two weekly gym sessions.

The 18 year-old is also a passionate dancer, and brought her hip-hop dance group Bust a Move to Los Angeles in July for teens and young adults living with disability.

Ms Stuart still has three holes in her heart and a leaky valve, but the brave teen manages this with daily heart medication which has so far put off any need for further heart surgery.