Model With Down Syndrome Challenges Beauty Stereotypes

THE first model with Down Syndrome to front a beauty campaign is hoping to shake up the industry and prove that “beauty belongs to everybody.” Katie Meade is the first to admit that people with Down Syndrome, as well as other disabilities, are largely absent from the beauty and fashion industries - and she’s determined to change it. The 33-year-old made history last year when she became the first ever model with Down Syndrome to be the face of a beauty brand and her career - both as a model and as an ambassador for people with learning disabilities - continues to grow. Growing up, Katie loved putting on different outfits and playing with lipstick, and had always dreamt of becoming a model but it wasn’t something she believed would ever happen to her. Now that it has, Katie is passionate about encouraging other people – whether they have a disability or not – to consider themselves worthy of a place in the beauty and fashion industry.

Videographer / director: Rachel Mummey
Producer: Nathalie Bonney, Ruby Coote
Editor: Sonia Estal

For more of the amazing side of life:

[sowhatdowop]

She is so photogenic! She is also quite articulate. This is how a strong family with lots of love and support can help a child with special needs.

[harmonygriswold]

She's well spoken. The ability to communicate effectively to others is important and she's lucky that she's able to do so. Some people that have down syndrome struggle to communicate with others. That would be so hard. She gets to do something amazing for people with disabilities....change their perceptions. Good for her!

[LauraBidingCitizen]

I think she's bloody stunning?! She's absolutely gorgeous! Look at that face structure, with her big smile & eyes. Her confidence & personality just radiate through her photos! This is what many of us women are fighting for daily, diversity in the modelling industry, women of different shapes, colour, sizes, & disabilities. We want to see women like us.
So glad she's breaking the mould, & may many more follow in her wonderful footsteps! x

[crystalm.]

“People with disabilities can have abilities.”

I LOVE THAT

[theneoncat]

I showed this to my Down syndrome aunt and she cried. This is so inspiring ❤️❤️❤️

[kyriaaalynn]

My little sister is down syndrome the doctors told my mama she wouldn't live past 1 and wouldn't be able to do ANYTHING for HERSELF but they were wrong my lil sister is 12 years old now and very smart ALWAYS makes good grades and can do for HERSELF 😇thank god and this girl is beautiful makes me happy 💞

[ohtebowah]

the problem with this whole "everyone is beautiful no matter what" movement - is that its still soo shallow. If everyone is beautiful and beauty is on the inside, why the fixation on external appearances?

[cynthiahawkins]

Gotta tell you: she's energized, funny, comfy with herself, and just the right touch of sassy. I like her a lot.

[sophian]

She is stunningly beautiful! Perfectly suited to the pin up/1940's genre.

[spudd]

I bet the people who bullied her now works minimum wage flipping burgers.

[ethanbenedict]

"Beauty belongs to everyone." Love that!

[Manny-yj]

"I'm proud to call her my daughter." Great mother.

[madisonmccrindle]

She is so pretty!! Honestly guys why the heck are you being rude about her appearance. I was stunned when I saw her model pics. ❤️

[sunmarsh]

These aren't tears my eyes just get really sweaty sometimes.

[nalanip]

"They" can do what "we" can do. And sometimes a hell of a lot better!
You go, girl!

[sherriewilson]

She is the most BEAUTIFUL PERSON I’ve ever seen in my WHOLE LIFE!! No joke, not even kidding!!! Love her!!! Her attitude her smile her look!! She owns it!!! You go girl!!! The possibilities are endless!!!

[russelldavis]

1. I think she's beautiful. 2. I've been working with people with differing abilities for over 25 years. I am so excited to see this young lady achieve goals that most woman can't. I wish her the best in her career. xoxoxox

[owent.]

That’s really admirable; no one should let a disability of any kind stop them from doing what they love. As long as you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else, follow your passion!

[christinej.]

Can we just take a moment to look at that man's beautiful hair at 0:56? It's so beautiful, wow.


Btw, the girl is beautiful, and it's great that she is doing what she loves, and we have to stop thinking that beauty means a pretty face and a slim body, cause we are all beautiful and unique.

[xiozahradka]

“Beauty belongs to everyone.” Absolutely. You’re so beautiful!! Out of the “everyone” that beauty belongs to, it CERTAINLY belongs to you!!