This 18-Year-Old Model With Down Syndrome Is Setting Out to Change the World

Madeline Stuart is an 18-year-old girl with Down syndrome, currently living in Brisbane, Australia. As an athlete who enjoys participating in activities like gymnastics and cheerleading, she's always loved the spotlight. So once Maddy began styling her own outfits, she begged her mom to play photographer before she headed out the door.

Needless to say, the result of those photo shoots is pretty flawless. Maddy can work floral-print dresses just as well as she can a quirky pair of leggings, and she totally knows just what bikini shade works best to complement her hair color.

But Maddy's not only concerned with showing off her own looks. The rising star — who's struggled with her weight and recently lost almost 50 pounds — wants to make sure that everyone, no matter their shape or size, gets the opportunity to model. "People with down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated," her mother included in a press release.

While we're just as excited as Maddy is about promoting diversity in the industry, one thing's for sure: she'd turn heads, even if her latest shoot was based on fashion alone. Read on to see Maddy work it, and learn why we're so inspired by her story.