Francesca Rausi is only four years old, but she already has a modeling career that any girl would envy. Her success is even more impressive because Rausi has Down syndrome.
While appearing in a recent fashion show, Rausi was clearly the star of the event.
She was walking in the Fashion Show Unici which was held in Passarella, Malta. Unici is Italian for “unique,” and the show featured models who are unique for having physical or developmental disabilities.
Rausi walked with 23-year-old Madeline Stuart, who is the world’s professional catwalk model with Down syndrome.
With her intensely expressive face and gray-blue eyes, it’s easy to see why Rausi captured the hearts and eyes of viewers everywhere. It’s also clear that she lights up the room everywhere she goes.
As her mother Michelle Rausi said, “I feel very emotional watching her because I see the happiness in her eyes. It’s out of this world.”
GROWING UP IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Rausi is not new to the spotlight, however, and has been a model and a beauty pageant contestant since she was an infant. She has her own Instagram account and recently competed in the Junior Miss Christmas pageant.
Rausi’s mother told a British newspaper that she hopes her daughter’s success can open up more possibilities for people with developmental disabilities.
GREATER AWARENESS AND INCLUSION
She might be right. Recently, another four-year-old with Down’s syndrome, Ivy Kimble, was hired to appear in the American Girl clothing catalog.
