‘American Horror Story’ actress Jamie Brewer broke barriers last Thursday and became the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the runway in New York Fashion Week.
The star was featured in Carrie Hammer’s show to play a part in the designer’s empowerment campaign called ‘Role Models Not Runway Models.’
“Young girls and even young women … (see me) and say, 'Hey, if she can do it so can I,’" the 30-year-old advocate spoke out in an interview with Today last Wednesday. "It's a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to (encourage them) in being who they are and showing who they are."
According to Hammer, Brewer was easy to work with, describing her as a “lightning rod of energy.”
“If TV doesn’t work out for Jamie, she could definitely be a full-time model,” the designer said.
Brewer’s black dress during her catwalk appearance took some inspiration from FX’s horror TV series in which the actress is regularly featured.
"'American Horror Story' is dark, scary, bewitching so we had to go with black and Jamie has a beautiful body with a teeny waist and curves and we went with an A-line," Hammer explained.
According to the designer, women from various sizes and backgrounds are selected to appear in the runway for the campaign. Previously, Hammer chose Danielle Sheypuk, known as the first female in a wheelchair to make an appearance on the runway. Karen Crespo also did the same, becoming the very first quadruple amputee to walk onstage during a fashion show.
“When I met Carrie we had no idea how big [Role Models Not Runway Models] would get,” Sheypuk pointed out. “We didn’t even know I was the first one to be on the runway in a wheelchair. Since then it’s been a nonstop whirlwind.”
‘Changing The Face of Beauty’ founder Katie Driscoll has already recognized Hammer’s efforts on ‘Role Models.’ She sent an email to the designer requesting for her to include her daughter Grace, who has Down syndrome, in one of her upcoming fashion shows.
Driscoll’s foundation has already made a name for itself as it pushes certain brands and organizations to include people with disabilities in their advertising.
“People with disabilities are the largest minority in the world,” Driscoll explained. “We have a long way to go, but we are definitely on the right track. We’re so thankful for people like Carrie who believe. For her to give Grace a role model, there’s no words.”
