Katie Meade: The model with Down's Syndrome fronting a beauty campaign

'People see me for who I am and they see me not as someone with a disability', says Meade

Katie Meade (Beauty & Pin Ups)

Katie Meade is making waves with her new beauty campaign.

Meade, from Des Moines, Iowa has been chosen to front Beauty & Pin Ups’ campaign for their latest “fearless” hair range and has caught the attention of news outlets across the world in doing so.

On their website, Beauty & Pin Ups highlight how Meade, who has Down's Syndrome, has defied stigma, overcome heart surgery and competed in the Special Olympics. “When we hear the word fearless, we think of Katie Meade,” they said.

“Makeup makes me feel good about myself,” Meade, 34, told People about the campaign. “Every day is a great day to feel good about yourself. Feeling good makes you look good - that’s my motto.

“People see me for who I am and they see me not as someone with a disability, but that I have ability. And I like to try new different things and I inspire women to do that. Beauty belongs to everybody.”

Meade is the latest model to demonstrate how some beauty and fashion brands are beginning to challenge fixed beauty standards in the industry.

Her appointment comes after 18-year-old Madeline Stuart, who also has Down's Syndrome, walked in New York Fashion week and was recently the star of a wedding shoot.