Model with Down syndrome to walk runway during New York Fashion Week

An Australian 18-year-old with Down syndrome will be walking the catwalk during fashion week in New York later this fall.

Madeline Stuart made headlines in May when she posed for a series of glamour shots and posted them online with the help of her mom, Rosanne.

The photos quickly went viral.

"I think it is time people realized that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated," Rosanne told Buzzfeed.

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Her confidence and drive has paid off.

https://instagram.com/p/6Pj-njSFUp/

She will walk in New York Fashion Week with MODA in association with the Christopher Reeve Foundation, according to Cosmopolitian. The company has a history of featuring models with disabilities.

Stuart is has been working with a handbag company that is launching Friday. EverMaya will sell the handbags with the name "The Madeline," as a limited edition.

WPXI