As audiences grow increasingly bored with the perfect beauty of supermodels, a few models with disabilities striving to assert their place in the world of fashion are attracting considerable attention. Here are three faces highly rated by experts in recent times
Kelly Knox – Always believing in herself
Born without her left arm, Kelly Knox nevertheless refused to give up her dream of becoming a famous model. Entering the “Disabled Model” competition organised by the BBC (UK) was the “springboard” that allowed this 29-year-old to realise her dream.
Soon afterwards, Kelly Knox had the chance to appear in many major fashion shows, such as “The New Think in Oslo”, to shoot cover photos for Marie Claire and Diva magazines, and to take part in the Debenhams campaign against the abuse of body image, and more.
With her feminine beauty and blonde hair, Kelly Knox is a symbol of the “flawed jewel”, having changed the world fashion industry’s idea of beauty. Anyone who has had the chance to meet or work with Kelly Knox admires the determination and intense passion she devotes to fashion.
“I have had to go through everything to get to where I am today. Clearly, people with disabilities are almost invisible in the fashion industry, but I always believe in myself and in the determination to change thinking in this field” – Kelly Knox said.
Aimee Mullins – The track athlete who changed careers
Once admired by the whole world for setting world records in the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump, Aimee Mullins was a famous former track athlete with a disability (both legs amputated). After her success in sport, Aimee Mullins gradually retired and turned to fashion after meeting the talented designer Alexander McQueen.
He was the one who made the bold decision to invite her to appear as a model in his fashion show in 1999. This turning point helped Aimee Mullins become more confident as she moved fully into a new field. Not only is she a sought-after face for many sports brands, this talented beauty has also shone in cinema.
Thanks to her extraordinary willpower and her active membership of social and charitable organisations, Aimee Mullins is the only person to have been honoured as the “Greatest American Woman of the 20th Century” at the end of 2013.
Melanie Gaydos – Noticed for her “different” beauty
Pursuing a professional modelling career since 2011, rather than being noticed for seductive beauty or a stunning figure, Melanie Gaydos attracts attention with her “different” appearance, the result of ectodermal dysplasia (a rare condition). At times, Melanie Gaydos’s “striking” beauty makes those unaccustomed to what is called eerie... start.
Ignoring unkind remarks about her appearance, Melanie Gaydos has persevered in finding her place in the fashion capital of the world – New York. In 2012, she appeared in Rammstein’s music video “Mein Herz Brennt”, and since then images of Melanie Gaydos have appeared more and more often everywhere, from Germany and Spain to Los Angeles (USA). In particular, Melanie Gaydos has a great many fans in Europe and Mexico.
She confidently asserts: “The photos I take are always said to be grotesque, but I have gradually grown used to such comments. I have never thought I looked ugly; at most I am just a little more distinctive, and fashion places no limits on creativity.
Mai Ka, compiled – According to Lao Dong newspaper