Gucci Beauty cast 18-year-old Ellie, who has Down Syndrome, as part of their "Unconventional Beauty" campaign. When she's not modeling for high-fashion brands, she loves all things performing arts.
"I feel empowered when I model. Before my amputation of my leg, I was really shy. Modeling has helped my confidence grow and I feel amazing shooting," 24-year-old Belfast model Bernadette shared when participating in a shoot with Huckbody. "I love that I'm able to be a part of the change in the industry."
Hollister Co. asked 21-year-old Bailie, who has vitiligo, to model their swimsuits. The longtime dancer was also part of an Avon campaign where she expressed her dreams. "I've never looked the same as anyone else," she shared. "I would love to become this hand model. I'd love for my hands to be everywhere."
Zebedee Management collaborated with the #RadicalBeautyProject on their first ever group shoot for World Down Syndrome Day. One model was 6-year-old Chloe, who loves to sing and participate in ballet and cheerleading classes.
"What I would say is important to me about Frankie being involved in the project is that hopefully it is breaking down barriers and obviously raising the profile of people with Down Syndrome. People with DS have been kept in the shadows for too long! They need to shine their amazingness on the world!" Vicky Porter shared after her 6-year-old son was featured in the #RadicalBeautyProject shoot. "It is showing that people with DS have WORTH and to not put limitations on Frankie. I believe he has huge potential. He is living his BEST Life and loving it."
When not enjoying a variety of sports like gymnastics, ballet, tap dancing and trampolining, the 18-year-old can be found modeling with Tommy Hilfiger, Huckbody and more. "Since I started modeling, my confidence has grown massively and I am no longer afraid to show my disability off," Mollie shared.
"I was paralyzed from the age of only 6 days old, and I then began to use a wheelchair from the age of 4," Reneé previously shared. "Growing up with my disability from such a young age, my self-esteem and self-confidence was so low. I felt so different from everyone else and I didn't see many people that looked like me, certainly not in the media or fashion industry anyway."
Since beginning her journey with Zebedee, Reneé says she is now "living a dream that I didn't think could ever be made true."
"I've always wanted to be a part of creating better representation in the world, and having the opportunity to be a model now, has made that become a reality," the 21-year-old said. " have grown so much further into self-acceptance and confidence since I have started this journey. I have grown to celebrate my disability and to own all of the things that make me who I am, rather than feeling insecure about them"