Madeline Stuart, Model with Down Syndrome, Walks Runway at New York Fashion Week

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Madeline Stuart modeling in the FTL Moda Show at New York Fashion Week. (Photo via Instagram)

Madeline Stuart, the world’s most famous model with Down syndrome, continues to break down barriers.

Within the last year, 18-year-old Stuart has taken the world by storm. She’s already booked contracts with brands Manifesta and Living Dead Clothing, is the first face behind the GlossiGirl Cosmetics “Beauty Is…” campaign, has a one-of-a-kind doll made after her, launched her own handbag line with a fashion company called EverMaya, and has now walked the catwalk during New York Fashion Week for FTL Moda.

Related: Behind the Scenes With the World’s Most Famous Model With Down Syndrome

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Madeline Stuart (Photo: Courtesy of Rosanne Stuart)

Madeline is very excited,” her mother, Rosanne Stuart, told AFP backstage at rehearsals for Sunday’s show. “I think it’s amazing that she’s been given this opportunity. It’s a fantastic platform for us to get our beliefs across on inclusion and disability.”

The show took place in New York City’s Vanderbilt Hall on Sunday, September 13 and Stuart took two trips down the runway — one for resort wear, the other for couture.

Related: When a Cashier Reminded Me My Son Has Down Syndrome

The FTL Moda show featured several models with disabilites, including Rebekah Marine, 28, a car saleswoman from New Jersey who was born without a right arm. She is proudly called the “bionic model” because of her prosthesis, AFP reported.

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Rebekah Marine (Photo: via Instagram)

The show was organized with the help of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and Models of Diversity, a British group that campaigns for diversity in the fashion industry.

See photos from the inclusive show below:

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Rebekah Marine, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via twitter)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via twitter)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo via twitter)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

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Shaholly Ayers, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

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Madeline Stuart, FTL Moda Show at NYFW. (Photo: via Instagram)

Related: To My Daughter With Down Syndrome on Her Wedding Day

By Melissa McGlensey

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