To be a model, you have to have a certainje ne sais quoi. And one woman who certainly has that is Melanie Gaydos. Born with a form of ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth and nails, Melanie has an incredibly unique look.But she’s been able to use her striking features to her advantage, finding success in the modeling industry and breaking downbeauty standardbarriers. Below, you’ll find a list of stunning photos Melanie has shared onInstagramto her 160K followers. So enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote the ones that you find most captivating!This post may includeaffiliate links.

To be a model, you have to have a certainje ne sais quoi. And one woman who certainly has that is Melanie Gaydos. Born with a form of ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth and nails, Melanie has an incredibly unique look.

But she’s been able to use her striking features to her advantage, finding success in the modeling industry and breaking downbeauty standardbarriers. Below, you’ll find a list of stunning photos Melanie has shared onInstagramto her 160K followers. So enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote the ones that you find most captivating!

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Unique model in an artistic, dark costume holding a scythe in an atmospheric setting.

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Unique model in an ethereal gown and crown, posing outdoors amidst trees and rocks.

Unique model in an artistic headpiece and body art, posing with an expressive gesture against a textured background.

Melanie Gaydos has been a sensation in the modeling industry for the past decade. From appearing in Rammsteinmusic videosto walking the runway atfashion week, it’s clear that her unique look has captivated many people around the globe.Melanie’s fascinating features can be attributed to the fact that she hasectodermal dysplasia. This is an umbrella term for disorders affecting the skin, sweat glands, hair, teeth and nails, and there have been over 180 variations of this condition identified. ED can also sometimes cause a cleft lip or palate and issues with a person’s immune system, vision and/or hearing. It is a very rare disorder, affecting less than 200,000 individuals in theUnited States.

Melanie Gaydos has been a sensation in the modeling industry for the past decade. From appearing in Rammsteinmusic videosto walking the runway atfashion week, it’s clear that her unique look has captivated many people around the globe.

Melanie’s fascinating features can be attributed to the fact that she hasectodermal dysplasia. This is an umbrella term for disorders affecting the skin, sweat glands, hair, teeth and nails, and there have been over 180 variations of this condition identified. ED can also sometimes cause a cleft lip or palate and issues with a person’s immune system, vision and/or hearing. It is a very rare disorder, affecting less than 200,000 individuals in theUnited States.

Unique model with green vines on skin, showcasing an artistic and compelling portrait.

Unique model in an extravagant gown with horn accessories, posing dramatically against a forest backdrop at dusk.

Unique model in a vintage blue dress with lace details and a blue ribbon choker.

A photographer friend of hers asked her to pose for him, and she realized that there might be others interested in photographing her as well. “I knew that I was the only person who looked like me. I was the only person who had my sense of vision and such a unique way of looking at the world,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.

Unique model with surreal bee hive concept on head, expressing astonishment.

Unique model posing in avant-garde fashion with dramatic makeup in an outdoor setting.

Unique model in ornate costume with spiked headpiece, set against a dark, dramatic background.

After that experience, Melanie began looking forothermodeling opportunities through Craigslist and ModelMayhem. “I met so many [photographers] who wanted to get away from their commercial work, who were bored with [what] they were doing. They just wanted a unique individual, a different kind of person, just a fun subject to shoot," she shared. “Me looking so different from other models, that’s really why I was able to book a lot of work.”

Unique model with bold makeup and statement earrings, posing artistically outdoors.

Unique model in an ornate outfit with halo-like headpiece, gazing upwards in a dramatic outdoor setting.

Unique model in an artistic pose wearing avant-garde fashion with a barren landscape backdrop.

Unique model holding a fox in a forest setting, wearing a black dress.

Unique model in elaborate fashion with a red headpiece and green fur coat, posed against a rocky background.

Unique model posing in urban setting, wearing intricate black lace outfit, beneath overpass with cityscape background.

Melanie has spent her entire life building up a thick skin and learninghow tobe resilient. She told Harper’s Bazaar that, when she was in school, she could tell that lots ofotherkids were uncomfortable around her, or perhaps even scared.“People would ask me questions; others didn’t really know how to respond to me or react to me," she shared. “I didn’t understand why people treated me differently. It’s literally just a disorder of my DNA. It’s just the way my body is born. It hasn’t affected the way I think or anything like that.”

Melanie has spent her entire life building up a thick skin and learninghow tobe resilient. She told Harper’s Bazaar that, when she was in school, she could tell that lots ofotherkids were uncomfortable around her, or perhaps even scared.

“People would ask me questions; others didn’t really know how to respond to me or react to me," she shared. “I didn’t understand why people treated me differently. It’s literally just a disorder of my DNA. It’s just the way my body is born. It hasn’t affected the way I think or anything like that.”

Unique model in a plaid outfit with large sunglasses and bold earrings, framed by green leaves.

Unique model in a dramatic red gown with feathered details, posed in a moody setting.

Unique model posing with distinctive fashion elements in a dramatic outdoor setting.

While Melanie has had plenty of success appearing in metal music videos and even a few horror films, she toldRevolverthat she’s not interested in sticking strictly to those genres.“Now that I am modeling and a part of the beauty and fashion industry, I feel like I have to keep going. I realize more about my own personal quest,” she shared. “I really want to normalize people that are different.”

While Melanie has had plenty of success appearing in metal music videos and even a few horror films, she toldRevolverthat she’s not interested in sticking strictly to those genres.

“Now that I am modeling and a part of the beauty and fashion industry, I feel like I have to keep going. I realize more about my own personal quest,” she shared. “I really want to normalize people that are different.”

Unique model with a golden face, adorned with a crescent crown, in an artistic and ethereal pose.

Unique model in a white dress lying on lush green foliage, blending with the natural surroundings.

Unique model with a striking red and jeweled headpiece, wearing a green fur garment in a dramatic pose.

Unique model in black feathered outfit posing in an eclectic room with artwork and plants.

Unique model posing in a captivating black and white photograph, showcasing distinct features and expression.

Unique model in avant-garde outfit on a dramatic rocky landscape under a cloudy sky.

Unique model in a brick alcove, wearing a mustard jacket and black shorts, posing confidently.

Unique model in colorful field, wearing layered dress and holding large straw hat, showcasing captivating style.

Unique model in black dress and glossy boots, posing on a patterned sofa amidst lush greenery.

Unique model with a lizard on hand, expressing creativity in a black and white artistic portrait.

Unique model in a patterned dress sitting on a chair in an industrial setting with exposed lighting.

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Unique model Melanie Gaydos in a dimly lit room, sitting on a bed, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

Unique model posing between columns, exuding an artistic and ethereal vibe.

Unique model in metallic attire, with intricate headpiece and dramatic makeup, gazes intensely.

Unique model posing in artistic attire on rocky terrain, wearing a green fur coat and patterned flared pants.

Unique model posing in a sequin-adorned top, showcasing an intricate design against a neutral backdrop.

Unique model in avant-garde black latex outfit, striking a pose with chained heels, on a dark studio backdrop.

Unique model in a creative outfit with a flowing gray dress at a park, showcasing artistic expression and bold style.

Unique model in an artistic dress posing in an ornate room setting.

Unique model posing in an artistic gown with a sword and ornate headpiece, set against a textured backdrop.

Unique model in an artistic dress, standing near the water with a cityscape in the background.

Unique model posing with sunflowers in a colorful dress, showcasing artistic expression.

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Unique model in a flowing gown standing at a doorway of an aged building, blending elegance with rustic charm.

Unique model in nature-themed artistic pose, adorned with leaves in a cocoon-like setting.

Unique model in a layered white dress with lace, standing by a pond.

Unique model in a fringed black dress poses confidently against a plain backdrop.

Unique model in a striking black and white outfit, featuring bold accessories and a confident expression.

Unique model in a textured room with ethereal lighting, draped in a flowing gown, evoking a surreal atmosphere.

Unique model in a patterned outfit stands in a cornfield with pumpkins, showcasing artistic fashion.

Unique model relaxing in a vintage bathtub, surrounded by dark, reflective surfaces.

Unique model in ornate feather outfit kneeling in an opulent room with vintage decor and mirrors.

Unique model in elaborate black attire posing against a dark background.

Unique model with voluminous, curly blonde hair against a dark background.

Unique model with intricate hair design against a blue background.

Unique model in avant-garde fashion, wearing a veil and blue dress with gold heels, posing in a dramatic setting.

Unique model in a patterned outfit on a boardwalk, posing with an artistic flair against a cloudy sky.

A unique model in an intricate gown stands poised on a busy city street with blurred yellow taxis in the background.

Unique model wearing a dramatic yellow hat and white dress stands by a garden fence, creating a captivating visual scene.

Unique model striking a pose in avant-garde fashion, featuring a green jacket and white skirt, set against a fence and sky background.

Unique model in pink dress poses by blooming bush, vintage style.

Unique model Melanie Gaydos in ornate attire, standing beside apple trees with scattered fruit.

Unique model in vibrant pink and red makeup, striking a bold pose against a dreamy pink background.

Unique model Melanie Gaydos posing creatively in a room with skeletons and skulls.

Unique model wearing avant-garde black leather attire and chains in a gritty room.

Unique model in quilted outfit posing with a leopard statue, showcasing distinctive style and expression.

Unique model in elaborate, textured white outfit partially obscures face with avant-garde design.

Model in a futuristic red suit seated in a vintage room with an old TV and retro decor.

Unique model in a plaid coat, striking a pose outdoors, wearing glasses and white boots, with trees in the background.

Unique model in a black-and-white photo sitting on a stool, wearing a white top and jeans, with dramatic lighting.

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