Beauty standards get redefined every day – yes, there are still strange trends like BBL or buccal fat removal. Thankfully, the need for representation is being recognized and a lot people get to see someone that looks like them walking the runway and posing on magazine covers. Ellie Goldstein, a model with Down syndrome, is a perfect example of that – the 21-year-old’s smile is winning the hearts of internauts and fashion designers all over the world.
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21-year-old Ellie is a model that redefines beauty standards
Image credits:elliejg16_zebedeemodel
Yvonne struggled to look at her daughter’s face that had tell-tale signs of Down’s features, but soon she recognized how uniquely beautiful her new daughter was. So beautiful, she would soon grace numerous covers of fashion magazines, such as Elle and Glamour and even the legendary Vogue.
When she was born, doctors told her parents she would “never walk or talk”
“I’ll never forget the doctor who marched into my room after the birth holding her up and saying: ‘This is Ellie, she’s got Down’s syndrome. She won’t walk or talk. She won’t go to university’,” her mom recalled the fear-filled first days of Ellie’s life. I wonder what those doctors think of it now, seeing Ellie thriving.
“We’d looked around some of the special needs schools and the children just weren’t as able as Ellie, so we knew it was better for her to be around kids she could look up to and copy their behaviors,” Yvonne recalled.
With the help of her family, she proved everyone wrong – now she has a successful career
She published a book, posed on the cover of Vogue and even collected the keys to her very own home
At the suggestion of the school’s counsellor, Ellie’s parents got her a picture book about Down’s syndrome. Ellie looked at it thoroughly and told her mom “I don’t look like that. I’m me.” Now that’s a beautiful sentiment – everyone is different, and we should all strive to be able to look in the mirror and say “I don’t have to look like anybody. I’m me”.
Her further academic journey was troubled, as she received no support. But there was a silver lining – her modelling career began at the same time. Her mom’s friend suggested they contact Zabedee, an inclusive talent agency that represents people with disabilities and visible differences. Ellie attended a trial photoshoot that went well – so well that she was added to the agency’s books in 2016.
Her positive outlook on life brightens every room she walks in
Despite her incredible achievements, Ellie is not as independent as most 21-year-olds; that’s why her mom steps in and never lets her leave the house without her parents or her sister. She even accompanies her on dates: “She loves the boys,” the mom teased her daughter.
A modelling career can be a vulnerable place for anyone, especially a young woman with Down’s. Yvonne keeps a close eye on Ellie’s Instagram account, deleting any inappropriate messages. No one is safe from the creeps!
“She won’t walk or talk. She won’t go to university.” Guess what? On top of her career, Ellie also attends college
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and most importantly, it has to shine from within
Ellie’s parents don’t know whether she will ever be able to live alone, but they encouraged her to buy her own home. At 21, she is a proud owner of a home in Essex – bought with her own money she earned from modelling assignments. Her own home is a perfect place to rest and relax after a grueling day at college – Ellie is studying arts on top of her job. “I’d like to tell that to the doctor who said I’d never walk or talk!” Ellie proudly talks about her achievements.
Ellie’s story is a shining example that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that no one can stop a determined person. After all, when we think of models, we think of someone who looks stunning in high fashion outfits and has a smile as bright as the sun – Ellie sure does.
Hopefully, in the future, we will see more representation of different beauty standards. For now, when you feel bad about yourself, remember Ellie’s words: “I don’t look like them. I’m me!”
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