Mum Of Boy With Down’s Syndrome Calls Out Fashion Industry On Lack Of Diversity
Mini model Louis Killick’s mother wants bigger brands to sign up models with Down’s Syndrome. [Photo: Facebook/ louis killick model]
Strutting down the catwalk with the swagger of a seasoned pro, Louis Killick looked every inch the mini model. The six-year-old who has Down’s Syndrome was making his catwalk debut for modelling agency, Models of Diversity, but now his mother is questioning why the youngster can’t model for more mainstream brands.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Anita Killick, 43, from Surrey hoped to break down stigmas surrounding the condition and tackle the ongoing issue of having no children of diversity being represented by well-known brands.
Though he’s already made his catwalk debut, Louis Killick dreams of making it as a model. [Photo: Facebook/ louis killick model]
“He may have Down’s syndrome, but he doesn’t have every single characteristic of Down’s syndrome,” the mum-of-four started her post.
"He has his own features, likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and traits that make him unique. Down’s syndrome is only a fraction of who he is.”
The mum was keen for people to understand that there is a spectrum with Down’s Syndrome, like many other disorders.
“Down’s syndrome doesn’t define who he is, it’s just one small part that makes him an amazing son,” she continued.
“My family really want to change the way people discriminate against disability.
"None of us like feeling left out and people with disabilities are no exception. They want to be included so why not reach out and get to know the person not the condition?
Face to watch! Louis Killick strikes a pose. [Photo: Facebook/ louis killick model]
Explaining that she had written to many agents, posing the question “Why don’t you represent children with Down’s syndrome in your magazines or even on TV commercials?”, Anita revealed that some had responded. ‘People would look at the model and not the fashion’, or 'We can only use what our clients choose’.
To which her answer was "Yes maybe but if you don’t have models with disabilities on your books how can they choose?
Anita said she would love her son Louis to have a chance to represent fashion even with a disability.
She ended the post: "Have you ever studied the world 'disabled’? What can you get out of it? 'Able’.”
Seasoned pro. Madeline Stuart makes her second appearance at NYFW. [Photo: Instagram/madelinesmodelling_]
The post comes as Madeline Stuart, the world’s most famous model with Down’s Syndrome, made her second appearance on a New York Fashion Week runway and absolutely rocked it. But despite making her modelling mark, Madeline’s mother has also spoken out about the difficulties her daughter has faced in cementing herself within the fashion industry.
Let’s hope the fashion industry wakes up and starts taking notice, embracing difference rather than ignoring it.
Do you think the fashion industry needs to be more diverse? Join the debate @YahooStyleUK.
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