There was a time when models with conditions such as Down syndrome were unheard of. But now they are proving to be forces to be reckoned with in the fashion industry.
After the world fell in love with Madeline Stuart, who graced the runways of New York Fashion week and appeared in a stunning bridal shoot, another model with Down syndrome is now making her mark.
Meet Katie Meade, the 32-year-old model who’s making history as the first woman with Down syndrome to become the face of a beauty product, reports PEOPLE.
“Katie is a role model for people of all ages, disability or no disability, because beauty belongs to everyone,” Beauty & Pin-Ups wrote on its Facebook page.
Quite aptly, the brand’s new hair product is called ‘Fearless’. Proceeds from the sale of Beauty & Pin-ups products will go to Best Buddies International, for which Katie is an ambassador. It is an organization that provides social and employment opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilites.
“It’s pretty cool because I love being a part of the Beauty & Pin-ups family, and I love being apart of Best Buddies and interacting with people,” Katie told PEOPLE. “People see me for who I am and they see me not as someone with a disability, but that I have ability. And I like to try new different things and I inspire women to do that.”
Katie looks stunning in the ad, as if the product was designed with her in mind!
“Katie is the most recent model with Down syndrome to make headlines,” Beth Sullivan, Chair of the International Down Syndrome Coalition, told The Mighty. “These models are putting Down syndrome in the spotlight and showing the world how capable and beautiful they are while simultaneously demonstrating that people with Down syndrome are competent and useful members of society and can add value to businesses and workplaces.”
READ: The worlds’ first model with Down syndrome is elegantly breaking barriers
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