A little girl with Down syndrome charmed everyone as she steals the catwalk during a fashion show in Malta.

Francesca Rausi

Francesca Rausi was all smiles when she walked down the runway during a fashion show for differently-abled individuals. As a 4-years-old she shared the runway with Australian model Madeline Stuart. 23-year-old, Madeline, is the world’s first model with Down syndrome.

Francesca’s mother hopes she will be as successful as Madeline in the modeling industry. Her hope is that her daughter will help raise awareness about Down syndrome.

“Francesca has been modeling since she was very young,” Michelle, Francesca’s mother, said.

While on the runway, Francesca owned the stage and charmed everyone with her lovely smiles. She seems to enjoy what she’s doing and is very comfortable modeling.

“She loves it and was the first toddler in Malta to take part in a modeling competition and won junior top model,” Michelle added.

Fashion show for differently-abled models

Tiziana Randisi organized the fashion show for differently-abled models in an effort to create inclusion.

“Our goal is to create a real inclusion, trying to involve all the different disabilities by breaking down the mental barriers of those who see disability as a limit,” Tiziana said. “Instead we see it and live as a resource and a wealth to share.”

The first fashion show happened last year. It was so successful, another fashion show is organized for this year. This year’s fashion show will feature 22 models with different disabilities and includes ages ranging from four to 24-years-old.

Society is acknowledging and accepting differently-abled individuals. It means so much to the families of these models and the models themselves. This event gives people who are usually shunned by society an opportunity to show what they can do. Moreover, it also brings them so much joy.

“I feel very emotional watching her because I see happiness in her eyes. It’s out of this world,” Michelle said.

Read also: Chelsea Werner Defies Down Syndrome Stereotypes

Reference: Metro