You may have seen her in the thriller show, American Horror Story; actress Jamie Brewer made history by being the first model with down syndrome to walk a show during the New York Fashion Week at Lightbox on Feb. 12 in New York City. Brewer, 30, has not only done the impossible by looking fierce on the runway but she has helped influence legislation in her home state of Texas, is involved in several non-profit organizations and an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, according to Abc News. Brewer modeled an edgy A-Line black original dress designed by Carrie Hammer in the show “Role Models Not Runway Models.” The show featured any model that could be themselves and inspire others to embrace any of there “flaws”. Brewer modeled alongside Danielle Sheypuk, who appeared on stage in a wheelchair.
Check out the adorable pictures Brewer posted on Twitter, as she was getting ready for her runway debut with the help from Hammer. https://twitter.com/msjamiebrewer Brewer is not the only female to be changing social standards in the media. Ashley Graham, 27, also made history by being the first Sport Illustrated plus-sized model to pose for the annual swimsuit issue. Graham a size 14 looked flawless while rocking a string bikini. Her ad is featured in the same pages as Heidi Klum, Kate Upton and Adriana Lima. She is a part of the #CurvesinBikinis campaign, which aims to help celebrate the beginnings of the ‘Curvy Girl Era’ and to help women feel confident and sexy in any swimsuit.
According to CBS 6 reporter Alix Bryan says, “Graham said in a press release, “The world is ready for more curves in bikinis. Swimsuits for all” Graham has been spotted flaunting her figure in skin-tight dresses at special occasions such as the Sports Illustrated party. Sports Illustrated will also include size 12, Australian model, Robyn Lawley, in a bikini from her own line in their Swimsuit issue. The 25-year-old will be categorized as a “curvy” model rather than a “plus-size” model, according to MJ Day, assistant managing editor of Sports Illustrated. Lawley was previously photographed in fabulous magazines like- Vogue, Cosmopolitan, as well as in an ad campaign for Ralph Lauren.
“I think this is a great step forward towards the perception of the real definition and standards of beauty. It doesn’t always have to be looks or the standard fashion runway measurements, there’s more to a person,” said Global Studies major, Monica Hamada. The media has begun a path towards change with the new faces that appear on the magazines we read. They are an inspiration for many ladies and are defying and challenging stereotypes. The idea to represent any body type with confidence is a statement. Ladies’ take a stance on image issues. Be true to yourself!