Brave and beautiful: Teen model with Down syndrome spreads message to believe in yourself
By John Vennavally-Rao
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TORONTO (CTV Network) — At this 12 months’s Vogue Artwork Toronto occasion there was loads of buzz about one younger mannequin particularly. Monika Myers grew to become the primary with Down syndrome to rock the runway.
“I like to do that as a result of I do know I can do it,” mentioned Myers.
“And I don’t get nervous.”
Myers is simply 14 years previous however she already sees herself as a task mannequin inspiring others to reside their dream.
For Myers, that dream is modelling.
She is aware of there aren’t many like her within the vogue business, although that’s altering. Earlier this 12 months, Victoria’s Secret featured a mannequin with Down syndrome in a primary for the model. Gucci has executed the identical.
Myers says she has liked to decorate up ever since she was a bit child. She determined to provide modelling a go after being impressed by the adults paving the best way.
Her mom, Stephanie, additionally performed a task in that call.
“She’s at all times so busy telling everybody how stunning they’re, and I simply turned to her and mentioned, ‘You might be stunning, too.’”
In June, Myers grew to become the primary teen with Down syndrome to mannequin throughout Toronto Youngsters Vogue Week, taking the stage in a blue costume and a tiara. She’s additionally regarded as the primary Canadian mannequin with Down syndrome to stroll a runway throughout New York Vogue Week. “I wore a good looking costume. Oh my God it was so stunning,” mentioned Myers, who made her first journey to New York in October.
“It was orange. My make-up was stunning. My hair was stunning. It was wonderful.” “She’s been advised she’s very gifted and has a present to convey to the inhabitants,” says Myers’ mother.
On Thursday night time, Myers modelled an outfit by Indigenous designer Lesley Hampton at an occasion in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood.
“I believe it’s unbelievable to convey all elements of variety to the runway, together with a magnificence like Monika,” says Hampton.
“Think about a society the place all of us really feel accepted and all of us really feel included in stunning types of art work like vogue.” Myers want to see extra folks with Down syndrome modelling, and has began a marketing campaign referred to as “Courageous and Stunning” to unfold a message about inclusivity, being assured and believing in your self. It has resonated together with her followers. “I believe they love her story as a result of she’s trustworthy and actual and he or she represents a minority that I believe folks typically don’t suppose can do issues,” says Myers’ mother.
“It brings house to us to be sturdy and pursue issues that we don’t really feel sturdy to do.”
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