Beyoncé has been catching the attention of the world by using her musical platform to promote the ignition of conversations that are long overdue. Her strive to make a difference in the world doesn’t stop at just her musical talents however. Her new line of merchandise is being fronted by Jillian Mercado, a model with muscular dystrophy.
Jillian is an accomplished model—she landed her first big campaign with Diesel Jeans, and then went on to model in the July 2014 catalog for Nordstrom’s anniversary sale. She’s now currently signed to IMG Models and steadily breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
It’s obvious that there’s a lack of diversity in the fashion industry—and it’s not just about race (though we really need to do better on that front, too). The fact that Beyoncé saw this need for more inclusion and collaborated with Jillian speaks volumes for the future of removing the stigma associated with those with disabilities. Check out more of Jillian’s slayage at Beyoncé’s online shop!