Unique and modelling go hand in hand, especially as of late with megastars such as Cara Delevingne flaunting a full set of brows, and Winnie Harlow, the high fashion model with the gorgeous vitiligo skin. One fairly uncharted area, however, is the combination of modelling and mental illness. One teen from Down Under is rising to fame quickly though – and proving just how beautiful different can be…
Madeline Stuart, the Brisbane beauty is full of potential; just like any aspiring model. Her plump lips, perfect porcelain skin, and (our favourite) luscious red locks are features clearly defining her outside beauty, so what sets her so far apart from her aspiring counterparts? The fact that she has Down Syndrome.
Discussing Down Syndrome, or any other sort of mental illness usually evokes an ‘I’m sorry, you poor thing’ type of response from people, which is highly unfortunate. It has a negative stigma attached to it that isn’t easily shaken. But why, in an age where acceptance is at a peak do we still stay so hush-hush about the topic?
The problem is that we don’t discuss similar things often… or in most cases in a respectful way. What makes Stuart’s story so amazing is that although she is an advocate for diversity, she isn’t one-sided. This isn’t simply a mission to redefine modelling or Down Syndrome; Stuart is working to combat stereotypes among both of those spaces.
Breaking into modelling as we all know is a very difficult task. With thousands of girls turned away every day, rejection is nothing new. Most women aren’t tall enough, they don’t have the right social media exposure, or they don’t have their runway walk down pat. But these obstacles don’t seem so threatening when your major obstacle is a stigmatised hereditary disease.
The process has been extremely slow, but recently we have been seeing some positive movement in the typically stagnant world of modelling and mental illness. American Horror Story (2011) actress Jamie Brewer who, like Stuart also has an extra chromosome, was the first person with Down Syndrome to walk in Fashion Week – a pretty incredible stride for the community to say the least. Just like any other socialite, she was tweeting pictures from backstage of her getting glammed up before the big event.
With Brewer being the first to lead the way, and Stuart hot on her heels, we expect great things for the future. Stuart doesn’t even have an agent currently, yet her name is buzzing all over the globe.
Echoing the modelling megastars, Stuart is proving to be social media savvy as well. She has seen a massive success on her Facebook account ‘Madeline Getting Downs to Modelling.’ The page has only been live for a couple of weeks and already has over 2k likes.
“I am 18 years old, I am very healthy, I do sport six days a week and compete in Cricket, Gymnastics, Basketball, Swimming, Dancing and Cheerleading. 14 months ago I was very overweight and decided I needed to change my lifestyle and eating habits so I would live a long healthy life. Now I have decided I would like to help others to also achieve this, this Facebook page is done with the help of my mum as I could not do it on my own. She is my biggest supporter.”
Scrolling through the page, there are comments from all over the world showing support for Stuart. She even shares links to her stories in every language, proving what an international success she already is.
With all the newfound attention she is receiving, it may appear as though she is just some sort of overnight sensation. Yet looking back we see that modelling has been a passion not easily obtained.
It’s difficult enough to shed a few pounds for most people, but doing this can be an unbelievably difficult task when you have Down Syndrome. Those who were born with the condition suffer from an unexplained linkage between weight gain and DS, making it nearly impossible to cut the kilos.
Madeline Stuart has defied all odds and after setting her sights on becoming a model, she shed a shocking 22 kilograms. Focusing on her goal, she engrossed herself in a rigorous workout routine lasting a full year. Now that she has transformed her body and more importantly, her personal health, she is shaking up the modelling word and this is why everyone is sharing her story.
In response to Maddy’s health transformation, her mother, Rosanne said: “In the beginning, Maddy struggled as she is very habitual and was used to eating a lot, so she had to break that cycle. I gave her a lot of support, and in about two months she created new habits.”
So now that she has two massive aspects of modelling down (social media and health), it all comes down to how she performs in front of the camera, and we can tell you, she does not disappoint. Recently Stuart had her very first photo shoot with Living Dead Clothing and the results were stunning.
Her character easily shines through when she is in front of the camera. From a pretty pink swimsuit, to a quirky pair of leggings, Stuart rocked them all. Her mother thinks that it’s about time that the stigma around people living with Down Syndrome changes. She said:
We think Stuart’s story is incredible and more than deserving of all the media attention it has sparked. This kind of exposure is exactly what is needed in order to change the dynamic everyone expects. With so many models these days having success with their unique features or backgrounds, it is about time that this kind of story has some backing behind it.
Knowing how to work it for the camera, we doubt that Miss Stuart will be without an agent for much longer.
