Free to be Me: Madeline Stuart

Free BLUSH | LEISURE & LIFESTYLE to be me Free

Madeline Stuart is a worldwide phenomenon. She is a powerful advocate for inclusivity and diversity in modelling... and she is a supermodel!

adeline’s story captured M the world’s attention from the minute it went viral, with nearly seven million people following the inspiring weight loss journey that kick-started her modelling career. As the first down syndrome supermodel, the young woman now uses her social media platforms to inspire others by sharing her journey.

Madeline has been featured in leading publications; Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Women’s Weekly, New York Times, Elle, and Marie Claire to name a few.

And now the lovely Madeline features in BLUSH Magazine ... this issue is all about freedom, liberation, and new starts, so we asked Madeline and her mother/manager Rosanne; What would you say gives you a sense of freedom?

Walking on the runway – there is no feeling like it! It’s freeing, comforting, something I’m excited about and I just feel at home walking on the catwalk now.

Madeline has modelled in New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Art Hearts Fashion Week, Style Fashion Week, Melange Fashion Week, Caspian Fashion, Runway Dubai, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week China, Birmingham Fashion Week, Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival, and dozens of others globally. What is your favourite place to visit in the world and why?

New York of course!! It is my favourite place in the world and very close to my heart. My career was kick-started in New York; I love New York Fashion Week and I have so many amazing memories there. I look forward to returning every fashion season.

I always try to remember that the difficult times are only temporary

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BLUSH | SUMMER 2020 31 LEISURE & LIFESTYLE Madeline Stuart

At the point of this interview, Madeline has just returned from another New York Fashion Week – her life seems hectic and involves a lot of travel; How would you describe your life?

Incredible! I am so lucky to live the life I do, I have worked very very hard to get where I am, so it is amazing that it comes along with so many perks! I get to travel the world, walk catwalks across the globe and most importantly, inspire thousands of people, and change the world for the better. That is the most wonderful and amazing thing about my life.

It couldn’t have always been that easy for Madeline and her mother though; How do you overcome challenges?

I have learnt to never give up and to stay strong even when things are difficult. There have been a lot of times throughout my career when things have become very hard, but I always try to remember that the difficult times are only temporary and if I keep at it, then I can overcome any problem life throws at me. I have a very determined attitude and I am very passionate about my work, so it is easier to stay motivated with that mind-set.

successful women inspire me

Mind-set is indeed key to continual success, and how about the physical side? Tell us about your fitness routine and how this helps you with overall independence?

I train with a personal trainer six days a week – sometimes twice a day – morning and afternoon. I love the gym; it is part of my lifestyle now, and I can’t imagine going without it! It is certainly a very important part of my day and a time I always enjoy. When I am travelling, my days can be extremely busy and my day-to-day activities are changing all the time, so it is very nice when I am home to have a consistent routine of going to the gym every morning. Plus, it is such a great way to start every day!

What inspires you?

Lots of things inspire me. My mum; she is incredibly hardworking, kind, loving and has always been my best-friend, number one supporter, and advocate. I look up to her every day. Those who are kind and loving know matter what – these people inspire me. Other advocates and successful women inspire me, like Karlie Kloss, Lady Gaga, Winne Harlow and Ashley Graham.

Madeline supports dozens of Non-Profits some of which she has made special appearances at, or for which she has performed a professional dance routine, or modelled in their fundraising Fashion Shows. Such charities include: Multi Cap Foundation, Endeavour Foundation Australia, Silver Linings Project, Vets Intl, The DisABILITY Museum, Melbourne City Mission, The Carol Galvin Foundation, Kulture City, Embrace Kulture, FUB Sweden, ‘I can, I will’ Australia, Inside Outside Dance Ensemble, Buddy Walk NYC, Horizon Stars – The ARC of the Emerald Coast, Special Olympics of New York, and Cultural Device Project and Radical Beauty Project, among many others. How do you set out to continue inspiring others?

I will continue to do what I am doing now, I think the more people see of me in mainstream media, magazines and runway shows, the more they will understand how important equal representation, diversity and inclusion are. I will continue to advocate around the world until it is no longer considered to be inspiring that I walk the professional fashion circuit, but instead, considered normal.

madelinestuartmodel.com

BLUSH | sevenstarmedia.co.uk Madeline Stuart BLUSH | LEISURE & LIFESTYLE SUMMER 2020