The first model with Down syndrome to walk during New York Fashion Week will be American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer.
Brewer will walk in designer Carrie Hammer’s show, which is called “Role Models Not Runway Models,” and make history on the runway while she’s at it. She’s fully aware of the impact it has.
"Young girls and even young women … [see me] and say ‘hey, if she can do it so can I,’” she told Today.com. “It’s a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to [encourage them] in being who they are and showing who they are.”
Brewer was approached by Hammer and Katie Driscoll, co-founder of Changing the Face of Beauty, to walk in the show as a role model for Driscoll’s daughter Grace, who has Down syndrome as well.
“She asked if I would have a role model for Grace,” Hammer said of Driscoll.
Hammer started this amazing movement last year when she was asked to show her designs during fashion week, but wanted to represent her clients and the everyday woman.
“I called up my existing clients who were all incredible women and one of them happened to be a doctor and a sex therapist who happened to be in wheelchair,” she said of featuring Danielle Sheypuk, who uses a wheelchair, last year. “It was never intended to be this incredible statement.”
Brewer can’t wait to wear the dress Hammer designed for her, calling it “amazing” and “really neat.” She explained, “Many women have many sides to their personality, this dress fits...mine. I am honored to be in it.”
image via Twitter from Jamie Brewer
image via INFphoto.com