Model With Rare Genetic Condition Has Beautiful Photoshoots

This 28-year-old is brave facing the fashion industry despite her illness.

Maxine

• Published in Interesting
• September 3, 2017

Let's admit it, the 21st century's fashion industry feature models that are generally slim, tall, hourglass-shaped bodies with sizeable busts and flawless skin. Take, for example, Victoria's Secret models. How did this become the stereotype, I wonder? It sets this standard for women to strive and desire to look this particular way. Our brains have been wired to think that this kind of beauty is most acceptable and that the rest of society should follow this 'norm', but is actually this false, unrealistic expectation. We almost always fail to remember that photoshop, makeup, and special effects exist. This puts so much pressure on our young women way more than we can imagine.

There's inspiration that comes from being different to what is considered as 'norm' because let's face it, the real definition of beauty is subjective. It truly is in the eye of the beholder.

This model is definitely unique, have a look at her story.

This is Melanie Gaydos.

Her appearance is not what society is used to when it comes to beauty, but she is the face of what we believe could be deemed beautiful and accepted. Basically, throw your usual superficial beauty standards out of here. The photographs you are about to see are absolutely stunning.

She is a young woman with a successful modeling career in New York.

Melanie has a rare genetic disorder called Ectodermal Dysplasia, a condition with mild to severe symptoms that include growth absence/abnormalities of hair, teeth, fingers, toes, and nails. It can also involve hearing or vision impairment, the inability to perspire (causing the body to overheat), and skin pigmentation. This list of symptoms mentions only a few of what those with Ectodermal Dysplasia suffer from.

This is a lifelong condition.

She is also partially blind, meaning Melanie is an inspiration who proves that it can be manageable to have high needs and still be successful.

Her career took off after seeing an advertisement on Craigslist.

While she was still an art student, a fashion photographer was looking for unique-looking models. Although she mentioned hating having her photos taken, Melanie's boyfriend had encouraged her to take up modeling for fun. Eventually, she was chosen to appear in a music video - Mein Herz Brennt by Rammstein.

Watch it HERE 

(WARNING: Video may contain some scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences)

Melanie says her career has had a positive impact on her life.

She gained self-confidence despite her appearance. She stopped wearing wigs and trying hard to look what society deems as 'normal', and instead, embraced her natural state.

Surrealism only enhances her beauty.

She is only one of the few who are currently changing the fashion industry.

Her breathtaking photographs are impacting the industry, but in a slow process. Melanie mentions that there are simply not quite enough people yet who are stepping up to show the world their unique appearance like she does.

We look forward to that day when everyone is deemed beautiful and beauty standards no longer exist.

A real inspiration.

Check out her work on Instagram.

Click HERE to see more of her beautiful art.

Pretty girls don't always look perfect 24/7. Shocking, right?! Take a look at pretty girls making ugly faces. Epic.

Maxine