Teenager was one of Down syndrome models at New York Fashion Week

Teenager, 14, says she felt ‘brave and beautiful’ after becoming one of the first models with Down syndrome to walk at New York Fashion Week

• Monika Myers, 14, a model from Toronto, Canada, appeared on runway 
• Teenager never thought she would walk at New York Fashion Week 
• Mother Stephanie said she burst into tears and was ‘so proud’ of her daughter  

This inspirational teen is one of the first Down syndrome models to take the stage at the prestigious New York Fashion Week.

Monika Myers, 14, a model from Toronto, Canada never thought she’d appear on the runway, but after signing with international model agency Zebedee, Monika’s modelling career has taken off.

The teenager said she felt ‘brave and beautiful’ walking the runway, adding: ‘My friends couldn’t believe the transformation of seeing me in such a gorgeous gown, with fake eyelashes and my hair done.’

Proud mother, Stephanie Myers travelled to New York with her daughter and burst into tears watching her strut her stuff.

Stephanie explained: ‘Having a daughter with Down syndrome, you don’t tend to fast forward ahead, you live in the moment as you worry a lot.

This inspirational teen is one of the first Down syndrome models to take the stage at the prestigious New York Fashion Week

Monika never thought she’d appear on the runway, but after signing with international model agency Zebedee, Monika’s modelling career has taken off

‘When I saw her doing something I never dreamed she could do, it made me so proud. I am so proud of her, and she’s so proud of herself too.

‘Monika has always loved anything to do with hair, makeup and dresses since she was a little girl – she even did a runway walk when she was two years old, and she walked with me. I think that’s what has stayed with her.

‘We’ve always celebrated everything she does and have always appreciated her, she was never shy in front of camera either.

‘She’s been inspired by other Down syndrome models over the past few years which has inspired her to take up modelling herself.

The teenager said she felt ‘brave and beautiful’ as she made the appearance in New York this month 

‘She’s done quite a few fashion shows now, but New York Fashion Week was so special!

‘I was so proud of her, when I first saw her walking in Toronto Kid’s Fashion Week it was so emotional, and then when I saw her in New York I cried so much.

‘To see these changes happening in this industry is amazing!

‘She’s the first Canadian Down syndrome model to be in the show.

Monika’s mother Stephanie said she felt ‘so proud’ of her daughter for how she was handling the attention (pictured, being interviewed for TV) 

Monika was chosen to walk for Primark and high-end dress designer Wanda Beauchamp Couture (pictured left and right) 

‘It really makes you think that no matter what, we’re all equal and just seeing how much she loved it was so special.

‘On the runway she performs so well, she’s definitely a woman in control and you could tell she was feeling so confident and believes in herself.’

Monika was chosen to walk for Primark and high-end dress designer Wanda Beauchamp Couture.

Monika explained: ‘I felt amazing, I was wearing such nice outfits and I met a lot of really cool people.

The fourteen-year-old confessed she ‘felt like a princess’ after walking in New York Fashion Week 

‘I felt like a princess, there were two people doing my hair and I also had my makeup done.

‘It was crazy backstage, there were people everywhere and all around me, but it didn’t bother me at all.

‘I wasn’t nervous at all; I’m a brave and beautiful.

‘New York was so cool, we went out for dinner every night and then I did the shows as well.

‘Primark was a fun walk, I did a twirl and a hair flick. I wore a green jacket and pleather shorts with silver combat boots – I loved it.

Stephanie said her daughter is ‘is amazing on the runway’ and looks like a ‘confident woman in control’

‘For Wanda I wore a beautiful big dress. It was more of a serious walk so I had a serious expression, but it was still fun.

It was the first time the pair had ever been to New York together, and Monika was thrilled thrilled to finally experience New York City.

Stephanie adds: ‘It was great to go to NYC together. We had a tonne of fun seeing the city together.

‘She walked in Toronto Kids Fashion Week and it has given her the chance to get to New York Fashion Week which is amazing.

Stephanie confessed the duo ‘don’t know what the future holds’ but they hope to see more ‘inclusivity’ in the fashion industry 

‘She is amazing on the runway, she’s a woman in control and feels so confident and believes in herself.

‘We don’t know what the future holds, but Monika loves modelling and the world is open to her. It is wonderful to see the inclusivity in the fashion industry.

‘Monika would love to do more photoshoots and fashion shows.’ 

Source: Read Full Article