Embracing Diversity: Ellie Goldstein

Supermodel Ellie Goldstein is tearing down the stereotypes by becoming the face of high fashion brand Gucci, despite doctors saying she would never walk or talk. The 22-year-old Essex girl has made history by being the world’s first Down Syndrome model to feature on the cover of renowned fashion magazine Vogue.

Becoming the face of Italian designer brand Gucci has boosted her flourishing career as a respected model who proves having a disability doesn’t stop you from following your dreams.

Early life

Born in December 2001, in Ilford, Essex; at the age of five months, she underwent cardiac surgery to repair holes in her heart. In a recent interview with the BBC, she said doctors had told her parents soon after her birth that she had Down Syndrome and wouldn’t be able to walk or talk. Not only has she proved them wrong, but she’s also gone on to surpass all expectations by becoming a top model and a pioneer for people with Down Syndrome.

Her mother, Yvonne, told interviewers she was shocked at first to learn that her beautiful daughter was a Down Syndrome baby. She was even more worried that Ellie needed heart surgery and felt afraid to get close to her.

The ten-hour operation was a success and after ten days in intensive care and a further week on a high dependency ward, Ellie began the long road to full recovery. Three weeks later, Yvonne and husband Mark were permitted to take Ellie home. They noticed her determination and “cheeky” personality from the outset.

They decided to put the Down Syndrome diagnosis to one side and bring up Ellie as their daughter first and foremost, rather than as a child with a disability.

Landmark achievements

Their approach paid off, as despite doctors’ warnings, Ellie was walking at the age of 18 months and could speak at three. She could already read when she started primary school and was in mainstream education for much of her childhood, although transferred to a specialist school in order to sit her exams.

Ellie’s parents never discussed Down Syndrome with her, but decided to tell her when she became a teenager. Worried it may dent her confidence, they showed her a book to help explain. However, Ellie didn’t associate herself with being disabled and simply insisted, “I’m me.”

She has never let her disability hold her back from enjoying life to the full, with her big break coming when she was 16. Yvonne heard about Zebedee, a talent agency for people with a disability or a visible difference, which embraced diversity in every field.

Ellie was keen to sign up and in 2018, she was chosen by Superdrug to star in its Christmas advert. This was the start of her soaring career, as the advert propelled her into the media spotlight, and she thrived on her new-found fame.

Career to date

In an interview, Ellie said she had always wanted to be a model, but never saw anyone who resembled her on magazine covers. Her dreams came true when she was chosen as the face of Gucci in 2020 in an advertising campaign run with Vogue Italia.

At just 18, Ellie set social media on fire when she appeared in a photograph wearing Gucci Mascara L’Obscur on her long lashes. It was far more than an advertising campaign: it was a rallying call against traditional ideas of beauty that often excluded anyone with a disability, or who didn’t fit what was considered the “norm”. The photo attracted more than 800,000 “likes” on Instagram and became Gucci’s most popular post in history.

Other campaigns for major brands followed for the talented teen, including Victoria’s Secret and Adidas. In addition, she became an ambassador for the charity Mencap, which supports people with learning disabilities.

Ellie says her disability has taught her to be herself and never fear doing things. “It’s about following your hopes and dreams,” she said in an interview.

In 2023, she became a catwalk model, appearing at London Fashion Week and achieving another dream, as she admitted to having loved dressing up since she was a child. She has also found time to write her book and describes her success as making her feel “excited, shocked and overwhelmed”, but in a good way.

She hadn’t expected to go viral and feels “lucky” to be considered a role model, saying, “Everyone should be seen and not hidden.”

Breaking down barriers

Ellie has constantly broken-down barriers by conquering more and more challenges, including appearing on television shows such as Good Morning Britain and Loose Women.

Honoured to be the model for the first ever Barbie doll with Down Syndrome in 2023, she chatted about this milestone in a TV interview.

She has also won numerous awards, including Glamour’s Game Changing Model of the Year 2021 and the Inspiration Award for Women 2024.

How common is Down Syndrome?

One in every 1,000 babies in the UK is born with Down Syndrome, a name coined in 1862 by Dr John Langdon Down.

It is caused by the baby having an extra chromosome, which occurs spontaneously without any cause, although it is more prevalent in older mothers.

Some adults with Down Syndrome can live an independent life, but the majority will require help and support, as they may have health problems. These can include thyroid disorders, heart problems and reduced hearing and vision, the severity of which can vary. Many adults enjoy good health.

Some people with Down Syndrome have sleeping problems such as difficulties in settling down at bedtime, awaking during the night and some breathing-related issues. As a result, they may require a specialist bed that provides a safe sleeping solution.

For more information on Embracing Diversity: Ellie Goldstein talk to Kinderkey Healthcare Ltd