Kids With Down Syndrome Brightened the Runway at NYC Fashion Show

We often tell our kids they have the world at their fingertips, that they can be anything and anyone they want to be. Afterall, empowering young minds is an important part of building their confidence. One organization is sharing that message loud and proud for kids with Down syndrome.

Gigi’s Playhouse is a national organization that aims to celebrate and inspire people with Down syndrome, allowing them to be more engaged in their lives at home, school and within their communities. Last year, the New York chapter held the first ever Gigi’s Playhouse Fashion Show. Last Wednesday, the show, presented by Bloomingdales, came back fiercer than ever, complete with an after-party that raised money for charity.

The show encouraged kids with Down Syndrome to strut their stuff on the runway—and they showed up in the best way. All models wore clothes from top fashion designers. One young woman sported a T-shirt stating, “Go Love Yourself,” while another wore a long pink gown complete with a tiara. All models received personalized styling appointments, coaching from a glam team and swag bags. The younger kids walked down holding the hands of adults, but plenty of the older kids danced the whole way down, as can be seen in an Instagram story posted by Gigi’s Playhouse NYC.

Eileen McClary, an associate for Gigi’s Playhouse’s New York chapter, directed the show. In an interview with Associated Press she said, “It just shows the power and involvement of this (Down syndrome) community, and I can’t wait to do more things with them. To me, it’s one of the most inspiring things that you could ever be a part of. … All of these models are some of the happiest people I’ve ever come in contact with. And if you ever want to feel joy like I think this entire store felt tonight, you can be a part of this.”

The happiness was definitely palpable. Laura Lyle, one of the models, stated after the show, “It was really fun. I loved walking down, showing everybody the outfits, and I feel like we’re making a difference.”

Malik Jabbar, another model, who also participated last year, Associated Press reports, told the outlet in an interview, “We walked down the aisle, we see beautiful faces, and the smiles on (all of) us,” he said. “In the future, we’ll all become the next top 10 models.”