Less than two months after sharing her inspiring story, Madeline Stuart has landed her first modelling contract for diversity-positive brand Manifesta.
The 18-year-old Brisbane teenager, who has Down Syndrome, first made headlines around the world when she launched a campaign to become a model and change the stigma around disability.
Now 'Maddy', who has had offers from more than seven other brands, is fronting a campaign for the US-based activewear brand who are passionate about supporting her quest to change the face of beauty.
'If you’re like us, you’ve heard the name Madeline Stuart quite a bit over the past few months. And if you’re like us, you’re incredibly excited about how she’s changing the face of modeling,' the brand's website says.
'For years Madeline has fought against the struggles, both internal and external, that go along with Down syndrome. Through dance, swimming, and cheerleading she has worked to strengthen her heart and body,' it says.
'And through her modeling career, she has forced many to reconsider the conventional standards of beauty.'
The brand, which promotes body-positive campaigns and uses flowers instead of numbers to indicate sizing, designs clothing for plus size women and is keen to have the 18-year-old represent all the different types of women's beauty.
'With all that Madeline is doing, we’re so excited to have her represent Manifesta,' says the brand's website.
'Just as Madeline is committed to expanding people’s ideas of what a model can be, Manifesta is determined to show that the clothing and fashion industry doesn’t have to be exclusionary, that one brand can work for women of various sizes.'
Maddy, who ho lost 20 kilograms to pursue her cat-walk dream, has other brands including Pinup Girl Clothing, Manifesta, Mint and Chopsticks, Tutuhot and Got Glam Cosmetics and Skincare requesting her talents.
The brave teenager's popularity surged when Daily Mail Australia first published an article about how she turned her life around by making changes to her routine and including a number of sports in her weekly schedule to become fitter and healthier.
Previously, Maddy struggled with weight issues due to her Down syndrome and heart condition. She then began swimming five times a week, going to cricket training with the Special Olympics, cheerleading, and hip-hop dancing on top of two weekly gym sessions.
Also a passionate dancer, the 18-year-old is now heading to Los Angeles in July to dance at the world games with her dance group, Bust a Move, a Hip Hop dance program for teens and young adults with a disability.
But after her story went viral, she'll also be stopping by to take part in a scheduled photo shoot for an American fashion brand before heading off to New York for a second, after two clothing companies requested she model for them.
The teen also recently launched a brand new website to update fans about her pursuits and has gained over 364,000 Facebook followers.
Meanwhile, she continues to received extensive international media coverage, with magazine and television offers coming from as far as Germany and Hong Kong.
'We've had a lot off offers and Maddy is loving it, but it hasn't fazed us much - I've just lost a bit of sleep trying to deal with everything,' Rosanne told Daily Mail Australia.
Like Maddy, Rosanne says she is not too fazed by all the extra attention, saying she 'always knew' her daughter 'would go viral'.
'I'm not surprised, I think the world was waiting for Madeline,' she said.
'I think it resonates with people because it gives them hope. When I had Madeleine I didn't have the internet, I didn't have anyone to give me hope and there's so many people touched with disability who once felt isolated.
'This is about inclusion and everyone being equal and the little person having a big voice.
(dailymail.co.uk)
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