Modelling has become a diverse, vast landscape. Models Direct is zooming in on disabled models across the globe who are leading the way on set and are simply unstoppable.
Who are some of these extraordinary people? We’ve handpicked some amazing people to learn about. Let’s take a look at this reading.
Muniba Mazari
Instagram: @muniba.mazari
Model/motivational speaker/artist/activist/singer
Muniba is the first-ever wheelchair model in Asia who was selected for Toni & Guy’s Women of Substance campaign.
A car crash in 2008 didn’t stop her from being a trailblazer and getting out there to make a positive difference in the world. Muniba now focuses a lot of her time being a motivational speaker and inspiring others to make a change.
She was selected as the National Ambassador for UN Women Pakistan by the BBC in 2015. She also made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2016. Muniba continues her journey now as a disabled model who isn’t afraid to show the world what she is capable of, and what she can and will do!
Rafi Solaiman
Instagram @rafi_solaiman
Model/athlete
Rafi was just 12 years old when he suffered a brain haemorrhage. He is now a frame-running para athlete who is a two-time silver medallist, and yes, a model. He featured in a CBBC documentary, My Life: Changing the Face of Beauty and heavily advocates for disabled models. He demonstrates strength and perseverance even in adversity, and shows how a human can transform into something greater than before.
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- Strike a Pose, UK! Modelling Opportunities Across the Nation
- Can You Be a Model Without Living in London? Absolutely — Here’s How!
- UK brands love real people – why relatable models are in high demand
Ellie Goldstein
Ilford-born model, Ellie Goldstein, has Down syndrome and has had a dazzling career in modelling since the age of 15. She has worked with prominent brands including Vodafone and Nike.
Ellie caught fashion house Gucci’s eye back in 2019, when they collaborated with Vogue Italia, making her the first disabled model to represent Gucci. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, building an outstanding modelling portfolio with incredible partnerships. Want to see what she’s been getting up to, just like her 83.1K followers are? Check her out on Instagram @elliejg16_zebedeemodel
It’s amazing to see how vast modelling has become over the years and how encompassing it is. Disabled modelling is an area that has catapulted, where more models are being seen in mainstream media, just like the spectacular bunch we’ve mentioned in this blog.
Audiences are also delighted to see that they’re being represented and recognised. They’re extraordinary – superhuman in their mindsets, abilities and talent. Most of all, they represent real people who exist in everyday society.
Our modelling agency, Models Direct, caters for this group of people, and we’re proud to be honing our craft as a diverse and inclusive company that will continue to showcase amazing people who have disabilities but are phenomenal humans.
Check out more of our weekly blogs covering this modelling sector and others, including pet modelling! Yes, you read that right, readers! And stay social with us on Insta, Facebook and TikTok to stay in the loop with all the latest Models Direct news!
