Who says all models are tall and thin? While many models of yesteryear most definitely fit a certain mold, today the industry is introducing a new, unique set of models that are hitting the runway.

Earlier this week, we caught wind that Jamie Brewer, actress and advocate, strutted down the catwalk at New York Fashion Week. Her appearance was groundbreaking because she became the “first Down’s Syndrome model to walk the fashion week catwalk.” Brewer walked for designer Carrie Hammer. Hammer wanted Brewer to walk as part of her “Role Models Not Runway Models” campaign. Brewer walked the runway on Thursday, February 12.

“Role Models Not Runway Models” is Hammer’s fashion motto. She’s dedicated to creating dresses and clothes that fit the woman – any woman – and that’s why she makes custom work dresses.

Brewer is well known for her roles on “American Horror Story.” Hammer used Brewer’s characters as inspiration for her runway dress, which was a “ ’50s style black dress, cinched at the waist.”

Later this week, we saw another awesome article about a group of beautifully unique models (male and female). US Magazine reports that FTL MODA asked disabled models to be part of the “Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week runway show on Sunday, Feb. 15. The company teamed up with Fondazione Vertical, an Italian research organization for spinal cord injuries.”

According to US Magazine, some of the models walked with canes, others used wheelchairs, and some were amputees.

This is all so incredibly cool and important because it shows that some people in the fashion world are aware that there is no one beauty standard. So many different people are beautiful and unique. Also: Newsflash – we all need to buy clothes. You represent everyone, you profit.

Are you a New York Fashion Week junkie? What did you think about this year’s shows? What other types of unique people would you like to see model at next year’s event?

Related on EcoSalon

Native American Fashion Week Happened, Here’s Why You Probably Had No Idea

Sweet, Sustainable Looks From an Ethical Fashion Week in Brooklyn

Karl Lagerfeld’s ‘Feminist’ Protest During Paris Fashion Week: Real or BS?

Image: Jamie Brewer’s Facebook

The post New York Fashion Week Features Model with Down’s Syndrome, Models in Wheelchairs appeared first on EcoSalon.