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Humble beginnings - In 2014, Madeline Stuart and her mother Roseanne went to see their first fashion show in Brisbane. Madeline was immediately taken with the idea of modeling and wanted to pursue it herself.

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Encouraging mother - As a firm believer that disabilities should never interfere with dreams, Roseanne Stuart booked Madeline her first photo shoot at 19 years old. 

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Viral sensation - In just one week, Madeline's photos were seen by over 7.2 million people and were published in over 150 countries.  

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The big leagues - Within one month, Stuart had attracted international fashion houses and was asked to walk in New York Fashion Week.

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New York - Madeline Stuart arrives at New York Fashion Week in 2015, becoming the first-ever model with Down syndrome to walk at this prestigious event.

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Runway - After her first Fashion Week success, Stuart started booking runway gigs around the world and has now walked over 60 professional catwalks. 

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Model and designer - In 2018, Stuart debuted her own fashion line MADELINE STUART 21 REASONS WHY at New York Fashion Week.

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Fashion week - Stuart's line features delicate prints and unique silhouettes. With inclusivity at the forefront of her design, Stuart's brand goes beyond the call of fashion to reach people who were previously excluded from the industry.

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Third Season - MADELINE STUART 21 REASONS WHY has now had three successful seasons at New York Fashion Week. 

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Poised and professional - Discussing her daughters approach to modeling, Roseanne told WWD, "She doesn’t need to prepare. She is just ready. She is just in the zone at all times. She just gets in there, gets into hair and makeup and is excited."

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Making it - When it comes to the runway, Stuart demands equality. She gets paid competitive wages that are based off of her professional work, not her disability. 

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Hard working - During an interview with Teen Vogue, Stuart explained that though it wasn't always easy, she has built respect with brands and high-fashion designers. 

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Fighting for her rights - "I deserve to be treated the same as every other model. I work as hard as anyone else," she said.

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Madeline's moments - A shining star on the runway, Stuart not only looks high-fashion and elegant, but has fun with her work. 

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Six seasons - After her sixth season, Stuart has officially become a fixture at New York Fashion Week. An achievement most models could only ever dream of.

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Art and fashion - Working with Hendrik Vermeulen at this New York Fashion Week show, Stuart impressed audiences with this stunning look and her impressive walk. 

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Social media - Off of the runway, Stuart continues to impress fans and share her day-to-day adventures. She has over 200,000 followers on Instagram, and counting.

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Beloved by brands - Stuart has worked with international brands such as Rutuparna Bhonsle, House of ByField, Hendrik Vermeulen, Topping Designs, Burning Guitars, Femata Couture, and many others. 

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Front row - Stuart sat front row at the Dan Liu S/S19 show during New York Fashion Week, one of the industry's highest honors.

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Forbes - Forbes Magazine named Stuart fashion's No. 1 game-changer for her role in normalizing Down syndrome.

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International - Stuart was also recognized by Forbes for being the only person with intellectual disabilities to ever be granted a work visa in the United States.   

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Another day, another show - The life of a professional model is not all glitz and glamour, Stuart prides herself on keeping a busy fashion week schedule, doing as many as 18 shows per season.

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Dancer - In addition to her work as a model and designer, Stuart helped found a dance school in Brisbane that teaches dancers with disabilities. 

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Health and fitness - Exercise and healthy living are of peak importance to Stuart. In addition to dancing, she works with a personal trainer six days a week. 

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Beauty ambassador - In addition to modeling and design, Stuart is also the first-ever person with Down syndrome to be the face of a beauty label and makeup line.

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Changing the industry - Throughout her time in the professional model circuit, Stuart has seen a shift in the industry and welcomes more and more diversity and inclusivity with every season.

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Advocate - As a vocal advocate for equal rights and the Down syndrome foundations that support this mission, Stuart has influenced people around the world to reach for their goals.

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Goals - Stuart has the dream of working with brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Versace. She also hopes to become the first-ever Victoria's Secret angel with Down syndrome.

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Success - From professional catwalks and designing her own brand to advocating for people with disabilities and creating inclusive spaces for expression, Madeline Stuart has undoubtedly changed the world—and made a name for herself along the way.

See also: All you need to know about Down syndrome

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