Madeline Stuart, an Australian model with Down Syndrome walks at NYFW
Madeline Stuart, an Australian model with Down Syndrome, presents a creation from the Hendrik Vermeulen label during the FTL Moda presentation of the Spring/Summer 2016 collection during New York Fashion Week in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station, New York, Sept. 13, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Madeline Stuart again walked the catwalk for FTL Moda at the New York Fashion Week on Monday. This is her second stint on the NYFW runway; the first time she walked for FTL Moda in September. The Australian model with Down’s syndrome already has several gigs to her credit.

The 19-year-old Brisbane-based model walked for FTL Moda for designers Lulu te Gigi and Josefa Da Silva. Madeline first rocked an ethereal, winter-inspired look by Gigi, complete with a furry white hat. She again sashayed down the runway in a beautiful formal purple and gold number by Da Silva.

The dress featured an asymmetric skirt and strapless top, which she paired with strappy high heels and her blond hair was styled into a braided up "do." She accessorized with a chunky bracelet and her beautiful smile.

The presentation took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in Manhattan. “I think today is cementing her in the industry; she isn’t just a one hit wonder who walked in New York Fashion Week once,” said Madeline’s mother, Rosanne Stuart. She is the one who handles her teen daughter’s social media accounts.

Rosanne added that after two shows in two seasons of the NYFW, Madeline has settled in the industry and is now a model. Apart from the teen sensation, bionic model Rebekah Marine, amputee model Shaholly Ayers and model Fausto Di Pino, who recovered from cancer, walked for FTL Moda as well. Rebekah also walked in the last season and has a prosthetic limb.

Once again, FTL Moda took across its message of inclusivity and acceptance to a wider audience at the NYFW. Rosanne said that many people have been inspired by her daughter — it’s not just people with disabilities but also people who are bullied, fighting loneliness and also those trying to come out of drugs. She said it was the least she could do to help people.

Meanwhile, for Madeline, 2015 has been a great year in terms of her modeling career. She is the first professional model with Down’s syndrome to be the face of a cosmetic company — GlossiGirl. She has modeled for EverMaya and has her eponymous bag. She has also starred in a music video.

Although Madeline has already carved a niche for herself at the international level, she is yet to get representation by any modeling agency of repute. Her mother said that no one has come forward to sponsor her. However, Rosanne hoped that her daughter’s frequent appearances at NYFW can help her thrive within the industry.

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