The Inspiring Models Breaking The Fashion Mould

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History was made at NYFW this week, when Madeline Stuart became the second ever model with Down syndrome to walk the catwalk. Modelling for designer FTL Moda, the 18-year-old Australian received a standing ovation as she rocked a dazzling one-shouldered white couture gown and high-fived members of the crowd.

Madeline isn’t the first model to make waves at fashion week by breaking industry norms. Over the last couple of years, there’s been an inspiring list of men and women defying modelling stereotypes.

So, we’ve rounded up the names you need to have on your radar this fashion month:

Rebekah Marine

Rebekah, a 28-year-old American model with a bionic arm, joined Madeline, walking for FTL Moda in the Big Apple this week. Born without a right forearm, Rebekah has faced rejection in the past from modelling agencies because of her disability, until this pioneering brand asked her to walk in their show.

Rebekah told Mashable “It's so important to include more diverse models, because after all, nearly one in five people in America have a disability.

“We should be celebrating uniqueness, not conforming to what the media thinks is beautiful.”

Definitely one to watch, we’re looking forward to following Rebekah’s modelling career over the coming years.

Jamie Brewer

American actress and model Jamie Brewer strutted down the catwalk in February at Carrie Hammer’s NYFW show as part of the 'Role Models not Runway Models' campaign. The American Horror Story star was the first person ever with Down syndrome to walk the catwalk, and told Today, "Young girls and even young women… [see me] and say: "Hey, if she can do it so can I,"It’s a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to [encourage them] in being who they are and showing who they are."

Brewer has also served on the ARC Governmental Affairs Committee for Texas to improve legal rights and recognition for disabled people. A truly inspiring woman.

Jack Eyers

Jack is a British personal trainer who became the first male amputee model to own the catwalk in NYC when he took part in both FTL Moda and Antonio Urzi’s New York shows this February. Along with Rebekah Marine, he’s also represented by the agency 'Models of Diversity'. He’s not only a model but also a fitness fanatic and despite having his leg amputated at age 16, he hasn’t let that hold him back from achieving his goals.

He told The Huffington Post “I'd like to see more exposure of disabled people in the public eye. Not just doing big events like the Paralympics but being models or being on more TV shows...because half of the disabled people on TV, like the guy in the wheelchair in Glee for example, are not even disabled!”

When it comes to modelling, “I think some brands see us as ticking a box,” he says. “Which is all right to start with, because it means that we’re making headway. My dream, though, is to be featured not as some one-off sob story, but because people see me as a good model.” he told The DailyTelegraph.

We’d love to see more designers embracing diversity in modelling and are looking forward to seeing which other inspiring models fashion month will bring to our attention.

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