The socially defined image of the “perfect” model is a long-legged, toned, Barbie-like figure silhouette. Although, there is a greater variety and a push for body positivity permeating throughout the fashion industry. Specifically, the increase of models with disabilities that are sharing some spotlight.

These models are changing the face of the fashion industry, representing the necessity to spread positive body diversity. Also, for brands to increase inclusivity in their designs. This exploration sheds light on various disabled models in the industry, sharing their opinions and their experience.

Alexandra Kutas

The Ukrainian born model was the very first runway model in a wheelchair. As she proudly, and sternly states that, “I’m as good as any other model even if I’m wheelchair-bound”. She had a spinal cord injury after a “medical negligence” at birth, according to Newz Hook.

Even the slightest representation of women with disabilities in the fashion industry is a step forward in the right direction. Kutas states that since she began modelling at 2015 fashion week in Ukraine, “people’s perception towards diversity has changed.” She attempts to break the societal conventions that models can only be signed if they meet certain physical criteria. 

Jillian Mercado

The Latina model has become a huge advocate for her community, and is currently represented by CAA Fashion. She’s been inspired to begin her career in the modeling industry in 2014 due to the lack of representation of people with disabilities.

She shares with Yahoo that she began her own platform, ‘Black Disabled Creatives’, whose main initiative is to help support creatives into the industry who have disabilities. She’s worked with numerous brands, from Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger to The Blonds. Despite her representation, she shares that there is still a lot to learn. She shares on her Instagram,

No matter how big or small, changes in society can be a revolution. We all truly have the opportunity to make changes in situations that seem unfair and
unjust.

Part of her mission in the industry and career is to spread awareness and push for brands to design adaptable clothing lines for all body types. To increase their inclusivity among target audiences. 

Chelsea Werner

A particularly incredibly inspiring young woman with down-syndrome, is Chelsea Werner.

She is also an international gymnastics competitor. She is a 4x Special Olympics USA Gymnastics Champion, and 2x World Champion. Her life story featured on the Today Show, and soon after she began receiving offers from big company brands. Such as H&M to film a commercial. As well as numerous magazine covers from Teen Vogue, Dazed Magazine, Aerie, Tommy Hilfiger, Summersault Swimwear, Target, Girlfriend Collective and Women’s Best.

Werner tells Forbes, “If I can help give any one hope that makes me very happy and proud!”

The ever-inspiring Werner continuously challenges social conventions via her activism and modelling.

Sofía Jirau

The very first model with down syndrome is a Victoria’s Secret Model. The global brand generally depicts flawless bodies. It’s important that women like Jirau are modelling for this company; because it subtly breaks down barriers of what it means to represent all body types in the modelling industry. The Puerto Rican model urges brands to be more inclusive. She tells Yahoo that,“I would like to tell the whole world to give us a chance to demonstrate our potential and abilities.” 

A Journey for Representation

There is still a long way to go for total acceptance of models with disabilities. The ‘perfect’ image of the body is pervasive in our minds, and ubiquitous on social media.

This representation is voicing the necessity for brands to design inclusively for all body types. But, if history teaches us anything, it’s that with all revolutions, political, social, economic, and in this case – cultural – it is taken with one brave step at a time.

Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Breaking News Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!