This 9-Year Old Double Amputee Model Waked A NYFW 2019 Show And We Can’t Handle The Feels!

What is the earliest memory you have of your childhood? For me, it is being a scrappy 7-year old, bolting down a hill in a second-hand bicycle…at the end of which was a fall and a bloody knee awaiting! I also remember performing nursery rhymes on stage, dancing to Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon and picking some major boogers! But I also remember the sheer fearlessness and carefree nature of my existence.

Children are indeed the bravest little souls out there and one 9-year has taken it to a whole new level. UK-based Daisy-May Demetre has made history as the first child double amputee to walk the New York Fashion Week runway and we feel like a proud mama!

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Daisy-May Demetre was born with fibular hemimelia, where part or all of the fibular bone in the leg is missing. It required her to undergo a double amputation when she was just 18 months old. Daisy-May got surgical prosthetic legs, which helped her get up and move on her own. The little angel has only just begun her modelling career and has walked the runway multiple times now, the latest one being at the NYFW 2019 international stage!

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Daisy-May, joined by her older sister Ella (11), walked for the label Lulu et Gigi Couture. Founded by designer Eni Hegedus-Buiron five years ago, the label specializes in French-inspired clothing for children. As a mission, the brand stated, “We believe that beauty comes first; from within, and our garments are made to enhance each child’s uniqueness. Inclusion and diversity are fostered, celebrated and encouraged,”. Preach!

The model is an inspiration not just in the amputee community but her own father as well. Alex Demetre, Daisy-May’s father said, “She inspired me by showing me who she was. She takes on life with a smile on her face and she does remarkable things. Whether it’s dancing, singing, she is a very special little girl,”. We so agree!

The runway is indeed opening up to more diverse body types. While it’s still at a nascent stage, we do spot designers and models go one step further to show inclusivity. Whether is another amputee model from NYFW2018, Mama Cax…

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…to a breastfeeding Mara Martin walking for a Sports Illustrated open casting call in Miami:

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Fashion runways worldwide are working towards broadening the industry with a show of inclusivity. Back home, as well, we have just begun to scratch the surface of incorporating more body types on the ramp. Plus size and LGBTQ representation are quite visible now. But we are still waiting to see more differently-abled people in the mix as well. If Indian model and acid attack survivor Reshma Quereshi can walk the runway at NYFW 2016, certainly we can step up our game?