Kids with Down Syndrome are stars in NYC fashion show

Children with down syndrome starred in a unique and special fashion show. The event was held to help draw awareness and give the kids an outlet to showcase their talents and love for the fashion industry. They were stunning and absolutely stole the show.

The children were invited to the second annual fashion show.

Today: Gary Gerard Hamilton / AP
Source:

Today: Gary Gerard Hamilton / AP

The models were all children with Down Syndrome who were ecstatic to participate in a fashion show that helps bring awareness to the community and showcases the talents of young children. There was a variety of ages with some models being toddlers all the way up to those in their late teens. The kids were stunning and were having a blast walking down the runway in their various outfits.

Sixteen-year-old, Laura Lyle, describes her experience, “It was really fun. I loved walking down, showing everybody the outfits, and I feel like we’re making a difference.”

Put on by GiGi’s Playhouse which is an education and achievement center.

GiGi’s Playhouse opened in New York in 2012 and since then has been helping children and families with Down Syndrome better their lives.

Their website states, “We are a community center where families gather to celebrate, inspire, and empower each other, to attend programs, lectures and events that promote self-esteem and self-advocacy, and to find support and friendship.”

Eileen McClary is the director of the fashion show and works under the New York chapter for GiGi’s Playhouse. She was excited to be a part of the unique event that is just as fun for the kids as it is for the people in the audience.

“It just shows the power and just involvement of this (Down Syndrome) community, and I can’t wait to do more things with them,” said Eileen McClary. “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 annual fashion show is an event that is held to help draw awareness to the community.

Fighting to give children a fighting chance and to help knock down the stigma around the disease, GiGi’s Playhouse is doing what they can to empower the kids and their families so that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. They help build confidence and give children opportunities to learn and help set them up for success later in life. They encourage parents and families as well.

GiGi’s Playhouse has a simple mission: “To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.”

GiGi's Playhouse
Source:

GiGi's Playhouse

It is so great to hear of organizations that are helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives. They are opening doors for children and families affected by the Down Syndrome diagnosis to have the best life possible.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:

Today

To learn more read our Editorial Standards.

Source: GiGi’s Playhouse

By Patricia Lynn

[email protected]

Patricia Lynn is a senior writer at Shareably. Patricia is based out of San Francisco and can be reached at [email protected].