Aussie model with Down syndrome makes her New York Fashion Week runway debut

Aussie model with Down syndrome makes her New York Fashion Week runway debut

Brisbane teen Madeline Stuart, who has Down syndrome, finally realised her long-time dream on Sunday, making her runway debut at New York Fashion Week.

The 18-year-old Aussie conquered the catwalk at Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall — one of Manhattan’s best-loved landmarks — as part of the FTL MODA presentation of international designers.

The show was organised with the help of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and Models of Diversity, a British group that campaigns for diversity in the fashion industry.

The audience went wild when the petite redhead, whose nickname is Maddy, strut her stuff with a bodypainted male model on each arm.

“It was fun. I feel good!” Maddy told New York Daily News after the show.

Super role model ... Madeline Stuart walks the runway at the Hendrik Vermeulen show for New York Fashion Week. Picture: Chance Yeh/Getty Images/AFPSource:AFP

Her mum and manager Roseanne Stuart, who sat in the front row, said she couldn’t be prouder.

“She was great! I am so proud. She’s pretty cute, isn’t she?” she said. “She’s been so excited. She didn’t sleep at all last night!”

She added: “I think it’s amazing that she’s been given this opportunity. It’s a fantastic platform for us to get our beliefs across on inclusion and disability.”

Superstar ... Madeline Stuart with models Jesse Pattison and Ben Pulchinski at New York Fashion Week. Picture: Chance Yeh/Getty Images/AFPSource:AFP

Dressed by a host of designers from around the world, Maddy wowed the crowd with three looks, including sequined hotpants with a flowing watercolour halter top, and also an extravagant floral gown.

Although she was nervous about taking the stage, Maddy felt ready thanks to her hard work leading up to the show.

She stuck to a strict fitness program ahead of her debut, losing 20kg thanks to a mix of dancing, swimming and cheerleading.

Having fun ... Madeline Stuart paints a model at New York Fashion Week. Picture: Alex TowleSource:News Corp Australia

Support network ... Hendrik Vermeulen, model Madeline Stuart and Jean-Daniel Meyer-Vermeulen walk the runway finale at the Hendrik Vermeulen show. Picture: Chance Yeh/Getty Images/AFPSource:AFP

The inspirational teen’s rise to fashion stardom began last year when she told her mum she wanted to model. Her goal was to challenge perceptions of beauty and people with disabilities.

Maddy’s career took off when her mum uploaded photographs of her in May to Facebook, where they quickly went viral.

Within a week, she had 20,000 followers. Today, her Facebook page has been liked by nearly half a million people.

A company called EverMaya has named a handbag after her and donates its sales to the National Down syndrome society.

She has become the face of cosmetics company Glossigirl and FTL MODA contacted them a month ago, inviting them to New York Fashion Week.

The Stuarts head next to the West Coat, where Madeline will collect a prize as model of the year.

There are further plans to visit Sweden and even Russia, and she has been nominated for awards in Australia.

It’s a far cry from the discrimination Rosanne Stuart recalls when Maddy was born, being abused in the park and the isolation of living with disability.

“I think people are a lot more open now,” she said.

“Social media has brought everything to the forefront. Things aren’t hidden anymore.”

If just one parent of a Down’s child believes their kids can have a great life as a result of Madeline’s example, she will feel happy, Stuart said.