Young Model With Down Syndrome Makes History
Models with Down syndrome aren’t new — earlier this year, Target drew praise for featuring a boy with the chromosomal condition in one of its ads. But in a first, a little girl with Down syndrome is now fronting a whole campaign.
Spanish swimwear designer Dolores Cortés chose Valentina Guerrero, a 10-month-old girl from Miami, for the cover of her brand’s USA catalog and to be the face of its 2013 Dolores Cortés Kids ads — making Valentina the first person with Down syndrome to ever be the main model of a campaign from a prestigious fashion designer.
In addition, DC Kids USA will donate 10% of its profits from this year’s collection to the Down Syndrome Association of Miami.
“People with Down syndrome are just as beautiful and deserve the same opportunities. I’m thrilled to have Valentina modeling for us,” said Cortés, who brought the tot out on the runway when she showed off her new collection in Miami Beach last week. Congrats, Valentina!