A model with Down Syndrome shines at London Fashion Week: “I want to change the world of fashion” | Instagram HLN

One in 1,400 babies in Belgium is born with Down syndrome, according to the latest figures from Antwerp University Hospital. The condition with low life expectancy and many limitations is the stereotype. Nothing could be further from the truth, as model Beth Matthews (23 years old) from Wales proves.

She walked in her first fashion show for clothing brand Goose Island last Friday during London Fashion Week, one of the biggest fashion events worldwide. “It was an unforgettable moment and I was really looking forward to it,” says Beth.

Previously, the Welsh twenty-something also appeared in Cosmopolitan Bulgaria and even starred in the Italian version of the biggest fashion magazine of all: Vogue. Beth said in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that the highlight of her modeling career so far was the trip to Italy. She appeared on the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival earlier this month.

And all this barely a year and a half after she signed a contract with the management of the comprehensive modeling agency Zebedee. The same agency that represents model Ellie Goldstein (21), who also has Down syndrome. Ellie has already starred in campaigns for Gucci and Nike, and was the first model with the syndrome to grace the cover of Vogue.

So it’s no coincidence that she’s Beth’s greatest inspiration. “Since I signed as a model, I also feel more special and confident,” Beth Matthews told the BBC.

The young woman hopes that this will give people a different view of someone with Down Syndrome. Because even though Beth works as hard as the other models and gets paid the same, there are still a lot of disgruntled looks and “Oh, cute” comments during photo shoots.

“I want to change the fashion world and make room for people who are different like me,” says Beth. “I want to show that I can still live a wonderful, full life.”

Mum Fiona Matthews added: “Her life is no different to most people’s, even though we received a very negative medical diagnosis when Beth was born.” “Therefore, it is time for us to stop this message,” she asserts.

Beth and her mother know this won’t happen overnight, but they are very optimistic. Mum Fiona told the BBC: “Everyone has the right to a beautiful life, and no one deserves this more or less.” That’s why she’s so proud of her daughter Beth’s work. “When I see that she is a role model and inspiration for other children with this syndrome, it gives me goosebumps.”

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