Madeline Stuart, the world’s first supermodel with Down syndrome, is starting off 2018 the fittest she’s ever been. Doctors once told her mom she would never amount to anything, but 21 years later, she continues to prove them wrong while inspiring thousands along the way.
Madeline is committed to healthy eating and exercising, working out 6 days a week with a personal trainer and sprinkles in time on the basketball court and on the field playing cricket. She’s lost over 40 pounds, an especially challenging goal for someone with Down syndrome.
Madeline Stuart
What motivates her? Her love for modeling and inspiring others with disabilities to stay healthy and fit. Today, Madeline’s striking photographs have been seen by millions around the world. She’s been featured in major magazines and newspapers including Forbes, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Woman’s Day to name a few.
She’s strutted the catwalk during world-renowned New York Fashion Week, the Art Hearts Fashion Week, Style Fashion Week, and Melange Fashion Week along with many other shows around the world.
She’s also busy with philanthropy work, recently receiving the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award at the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show with celebrities such as actress and activist Eva Longoria, Jamie Foxx, Matt Dillon and more. The event helped raise more than $2.6 million for research and medical care for Down syndrome and the Special Olympics of New York.
Next on her to-conquer list is a bikini shoot. For now she is rocking the runways at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week and in Istanbul.
It’s a Glam Thing had the special pleasure to receive the following information just for our readers.
How did Madeline’s career start? With three simple words – “Mum, me model”. Madeline changed not only her own life but the lives of so many people with big dreams who didn’t fit the mold. It was late 2014 when Rosanne, Madeline’s mum, took her to a fashion parade where Madeline’s passion was born. With a willful spirit and defined goal, Madeline continued on her fitness regime to address her weight, a struggle for most people with Downs syndrome. Inspired and undoubtedly proud, Rosanne photo-documented her daughters journey. “It will take a lot of work and dedication but if you want to commit to this journey, I’m with you,” Rosanne told Madeline.
After losing 20kg, a massive amount for anyone, Rosanne posted before and after shots of Madeline online not only to show the dramatic results but also to encourage others. She knew Madeline’s story would resonate with people around the world. She wasn’t wrong.
Almost overnight, the post went viral. Madeline’s social media numbers grew, the photo was viewed over 6.8 million times and she began to hit global headlines with publications in Iceland, Germany, the US, Australia, Mexico, Cuba and the UK picking up her story.
Modelling offers followed soon after from big fashion labels and non-profits and it wasn’t long before she received her first offer to grace the runway in New York. Since then, Madeline hasn’t looked back.
What were the obstacles she faced? Discrimination, the love of food, slow metabolism, her height and the main one she still faces is people thinking that because she has a disability they are doing her a favour but working with her so she should not be paid. I think everyone faces barriers, it is part of life and what makes us stronger, the main barrier I have faced and continue to face is that some people still think if they work with me they are doing the girl with the disability a favour through including me and do not see me as a professional that should be paid like every other professional in the workforce. We are overcoming this by trying to educate people that I work hard and am a valuable asset to a campaign and I deserve to be treated equally.
How did Madeline stay motivated and persevere? This is just her new life so she is use to it and it now comes naturally. You must Work very hard and never giving up.
What motivates and inspires her? The love for the catwalk and the love she now has for the gym. She also loves to travel and meet new people, making people smile and inspiring them is her greatest joy.
What advice would she give to others? that everyone should believe in themselves and they should be kind to one and other. The world is very small and we don’t have a lot of time in it. Work hard and expect to get rejected a lot just like everyone in this industry. If you want to be an average model make sure you are super fit and if not aim to be a plus size model. Never think because you have a disability you should automatically be accepted. It is very hard work but very rewarding. Don’t take it personally if you get rejected, I get rejected all the time but that does not mean I should not model it just means I don’t fit with what a certain person or company is looking for, there is other people and other companies
What she hopes to see for the future of the industry? More inclusion and definitely an industry that recognizes models as hard-working individuals that deserve to be paid appropriately.
What next for her to conquer? Madeline is currently looking to work more in Europe and to expand her dance school. She would truly like to do some advertising for companies in magazines and on television.
Website: http://www.madelinestuartmodel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelinesmodelling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinesmodelling_/
We love you Madeline!
Madeline Stuart
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