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Madeline StuartAustralian model with Down syndrome.
Country:
 Australia |
Biography of Madeline Stuart
Madeline Stuart, an 18-year-old Australian model with Down syndrome, first gained attention earlier this year when she posted stunning photos on Facebook. Madeline and her mother, Rosanna, started receiving offers from international modeling agencies. Recently, the young woman signed a contract that will allow her to participate in New York Fashion Week. She is currently working with the brand 'EverMay' as a representative for their handbags and is preparing to become the face of a new handbag line called 'Friday', which will be named after her.
Speaking to 'Cosmopolitan', Rosanna noted that her daughter's modeling career should change people's perception of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Rosanna said, "When we were asked to participate in New York Fashion Week, I wasn't surprised. I think I am no longer surprised. My daughter has been offered so many things, and I hoped she would be asked to participate in Fashion Week. I anticipated it. I hope that doesn't sound too presumptuous." Rosanna also shared that she and her daughter had the opportunity to meet Jamie Brewer, an actress with Down syndrome known for her role in the television series 'American Horror Story'. Rosanna said, "It was great. Jamie is a lovely young lady. She is much more outgoing and communicative than Maddie. She is just beautiful. I don't think there are any unattractive people with Down syndrome. She is simply one of the most extraordinary individuals. Jamie was so excited to meet Maddie; the actress had been following Maddie's news on Twitter for several months." Rosanna also mentioned that supermodel Karlie Kloss was one of the first to follow Madeline's news on Twitter, which she found amazing.
Madeline's mother stated that Madeline had a strong desire to enter the beauty world. Her daughter worked hard to pursue her dream, while Rosanna did everything she could practically to help Madeline step out of the shadows. Rosanna is now confident that the world is ready to accept a new generation of models. She said, "I remember when I was a child, going to school, people were homophobic and things like that. But now, it's not shameful to be gay! Imagine how society will perceive people with disabilities in 10 years. It won't be the way it is now. People with disabilities will be considered normal." She added, "It will probably be great to engage with people who have intellectual disabilities because, you know, these people care more about the emotional side of things rather than materialistic values. Everyone will want to be friends with such people to learn about true love." Rosanne believes that Instagram is a good platform for Madeline to start her modeling career. In her opinion, "People from the new reality are hanging out" on this app. She said, "This is the next generation! These girls who are growing up will never discriminate against anyone! I remember when Maddie was born, we would go out on the street, and I would hear people saying that my daughter should be placed in an appropriate institution. That was 18 years ago!"
Madeline's modeling career has made her truly happy. Rosanna states that her daughter has shown the world how easy it is to interact with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. How easy it is to approach such a person and let them know that they are no different from you. However, not everyone has a positive opinion about her. "In general, there aren't many negative comments on my daughter's page," explains Rosanna. "But if you go to other pages where people talk about Madeline, then yes, there are quite a few people saying nasty things." She continues, "Actually, last week, the situation on Madeline's page was one of the worst. People complain that she doesn't smile enough. But the thing is, on the previous Sunday evening, she was strutting on the runway, where she learned from other models not to smile! Now, when she sees that she is being photographed, she immediately puts on a serious face!" As Madeline's popularity grows, she is finding that more and more people recognize her on the street. This attention is not only pleasing to her but to her mother as well.
"Yesterday, we were doing a photoshoot in Central Park, and three girls from Australia came up to us to take pictures with Madeline," says Rosanna. "We went to Muscle Beach (in California) and were about to take a picture with two muscular guys. One of them said, 'Oh my God! You're that famous model I saw on TV. Can we take a picture?' It was amazing."
Revealing details about her daughter's life, Rosanna notes that Madeline had serious health issues in her childhood. Her heart defect has not disappeared. Defects in the heart's partitions and a malfunctioning valve still pose a deadly threat.
"We will continue with the modeling business as long as Madeline wants to," says Rosanna. "I can't imagine her quitting because she enjoys being in the spotlight. She is becoming a professional. Madeline loves making a grand entrance; she loves to dance and perform. We will just continue to do what we are doing and see what comes out of it!"
As Rosanna reveals the secrets behind Madeline's phenomenal appeal, she concludes, "Do you know why people love Maddie so much? It's because she loves herself. Madeline truly loves herself. She can tell you how amazing she is. She can tell you how beautiful she is. Every day I tell her how amazing she is, and she wholeheartedly believes it. I will never allow anyone to pour their negativity onto Madeline. She doesn't even understand what discrimination is. I won't let her experience it. If you are capable of believing in yourself, you will hold your head up high. That's why people love Madeline. She walks into a room—and she judges no one. I wish I could be more like her."
