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Jillian MercadoModel in a wheelchair
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Jillian Mercado
- Modeling Career
- Overcoming Challenges
- Fashion Enthusiast and Blogger
- Personal Reflections and Love for Diesel
Biography of Jillian Mercado
Jillian Mercado is a model in a wheelchair who resides in New York City. From a young age, she has suffered from muscular dystrophy. Despite her mobility limitations, those who know her are aware that no wheelchair can restrict this vivacious and active young woman. Jillian's beautiful, memorable, and vibrant face, along with her unique hairstyle, attracts attention wherever she goes.
Modeling Career
Recently, Jillian has gained true fame by becoming one of the models for the new fashion collection by Diesel. The advertising campaign, titled "We Are Connected," featured 23 models, with Jillian being the face of the brand for the season and collection. In the campaign, she was captured with her bright red lipstick, platinum hair, and electric wheelchair. The Diesel collection showcased a non-traditional image, featuring tattooed men with large gauges in their ears and bearded faces. Together, the models represented a new and authentic life, one that is seen on city streets rather than in pink-walled studios.
Overcoming Challenges
Jillian has always refused to be a hostage to her illness. After finishing school, she pursued higher education in college, relying more on her own capabilities than some of her able-bodied peers. However, she acknowledges that many people react strangely to her condition and wheelchair, often out of fear. Therefore, she was prepared for negative reactions to her photo shoot, especially the pictures featuring her in a wheelchair. To her surprise, as soon as she posted the photos on Instagram, users began enthusiastically praising them, and Jillian felt an overwhelming wave of support.
Fashion Enthusiast and Blogger
Before her modeling breakthrough, Jillian had shown an interest in fashion, running a fashion blog called "Manufactured1987" and editing the website "We the Urban." When she applied to participate in Diesel's advertising campaign, she had little hope of being selected. However, creative designer Nicola Formichetti later admitted that this extraordinary young woman became a true inspiration for him and many others involved in the project. He never regretted his decision and emphasized that there was no need to hide Jillian's wheelchair. Formichetti also stated that being a professional model was not necessary to represent the brand.
Personal Reflections and Love for Diesel
When Jillian received the response to her application, requesting her to submit photos, she could hardly believe it was not a joke. Nevertheless, she sent the photos, using images from her Facebook and Instagram accounts. She later confessed that it was incredibly important for her that Diesel's management, especially Mr. Formichetti, chose her. It meant something more significant than just a simple casting. Jillian does not appreciate it when someone, even admirably, tells her that they can't believe she accomplished something. In response, she remains silent and smiles. She believes that there is nothing extraordinary about her achievements. After all, she managed to graduate from college, an accomplishment not achieved by all "ordinary" people. Therefore, she questions why she cannot pursue her dreams.
After the photo shoot, Jillian Mercado became a big fan of Diesel because she can genuinely wear and enjoy their clothes. For both her and the brand, this connection goes beyond just a promotional campaign, as it holds a deeper significance.
