Madeline Stuart

Q: When did you first become passionate about modeling?

When I was 17, I went to a fashion show with my mum and I fell in love with the catwalk as soon as I saw how much fun the models were having and how beautiful they all looked. It was funny because before I got interested in Modeling I hated make-up and would be happy to wear anything, now I like to try on at least 3 outfits every morning to make sure I look just right before leaving the house. Mum says I have become a Diva.

Q: When your career was just starting did you have to face rejection often? What kept you motivated to keep pursuing your dreams?

A: Actually when my career first started I was going Viral. I think I was in the press constantly for the first 2 years so there was some negativity, especially from trolls, people say you know you are going Viral when the trolls get involved. Outside social media there was not a lot of rejection as we never really approached anyone as people kept reaching out to us so I didn’t understand rejection, it seemed most people just wanted to support me and support diversity, it was very much the trend at the time. Now over 3 years later I do not get as much press as I am not a new sensation anymore, most people know who I am and we now reach out to a lot of companies and we have learnt what rejection is but that is a good thing as now we are reaching out to people who would not usually consider diversity and even though they may say no to me it will open their minds and they will start seeing what is happening in the world and with time they may become open to it. I think the one thing that always keeps me motivated is people, I love meeting new people, I love it when people recognize me and ask for a photo, I love being on the catwalk and the audience cheering, it is the most amazing feeling in the world to be accepted and loved.

Q: Do you feel as though the fashion industry has been taking significant steps in terms of diversity or does the industry still have a long way to go?

A: Yes it has taken significant steps but at the same time there still is a long way to go. There is always room for improvement in any industry. We still try our hardest to push the boundaries but the boundaries are constantly getting bigger which is amazing and this tells us the fashion industry is changing. If you looked 12 months ago we were fighting to get campaigns to include diversity and we have seen that on lots of occasions now, it has gotten to a point where only some campaigns receive press which tells me it is becoming the norm, of course it still has a long way to go, I think the next step will be when someone with a disability becomes the face of a brand, that would be amazing progress and it would tell the world that disabilities do not define someone but just a small part of who someone is, they are a person first and foremost and their disability does not define them.

Q: Your health and fitness is very important to you. Can you tell our readers a bit about your tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

A: It is all about calories in and calories out, my diet is very consistent, for breakfast I have toast and eggs, then for lunch I always have a grilled chicken wrap, dinner is white meat and salad or vegetables and in between I will have fruit. Occasionally at a party or to celebrate I will have sweets or junk food but that is only maybe 10 times a year. I also am very active, I spend an hour in the gym at least 5 days a week starting on the treadmill to warm up and then I do battle ropes, the sled, kettlebells, medicine balls, a lot of machines like lat pull downs etc. and I love boxing so if I am not feeling it we always end up in the boxing room just to add a little more fun to the routine, I also dance with my dance school InsideOutside Dance at least 4 times a week and I play cricket and basketball. I am very active and healthy but please don’t think I am like this only because I want to be a model as when I first lost 50lbs it was not to become a model, it was because I have 3 holes in my heart and a leaky Mitral valve and I had started to go into heart failure, my doctors told me to get fit or risk open heart surgery again, as a result I got healthy and then became a model.

Q: You’re an inspiration to so many. What has it been like interacting with other kids with down syndrome who hope to model one day or work in the industry?

A: It is always beautiful when I get to hang out with other people with Down Syndrome, I feel at home, it is always nice to be able to give them and their families hope that you can follow your dreams and you do have opportunities in the world. It make me so proud to help others.

Q: What fashion brand do you dream of working with one day?

A: I would love to walk for Chanel or Louis Vuitton ,Versace and especially Victoria’s Secret or Pink.

Q: How did you feel when you walked your first New York Fashion Week show?

A: There are no words to describe the feeling, it was truly amazing, so exiting, a dream come true.

Q: Outside of modeling do you hope to work in other parts of the fashion industry?

A: Yes of course I would love to do some tv commercials but I also have my own fashion label called 21 reasons why so I will continue with that and I am releasing my third collection this NYFW this month.

Q: On a day off what is a typical day like for you?

A: I wake up have breakfast, get ready for my classes, go to gym and dance and maybe do a photo shoot a couple of times a week. I hang out with my friends and see movies or go bowling. I am just like everyone else.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring models?

A: Work hard, be fit as you will need to be fit to be able to work very long hours, understand you will get rejected but everyone does, it is not necessarily because of who you are but people may be looking for a different look. Never stop believing in yourself and loving yourself.

Interview by Carol Wright | Photos by Wildflower Portraits and Paulina Duczman