A two-year-old boy with Down’s Syndrome has started his modelling career on a high.
Adorable Benjamin Shortland, who hails from Winchester, has already been featured in fashion magazine Vogue and is now signed to international modelling agency Zebedee.
The toddler has since been signed for more jobs and campaigns, including a shoot with high-end children’s clothing website Childrensalon, where he dons a luxurious Dolce and Gabbana black-tie get-up.
Benjamin, who was born just months before the UK’s first Covid lockdown in January 2020, was not able to socialise with other babies or people much and his proud parents hope his campaigns will inspire others .
However, his parents, Mark, 31, and Aram, 36, are hopeful that his modelling experiences will help him to become more comfortable around people and new settings.
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Explaining the reasoning behind sending off his application, when he was nine months old, Mark said: “People always tell us how cute he is, so one day we just decided to send his application off to do some modelling and give it a try, hoping he would get a little work so we'd have something to show him when he's older that he can be proud of.
“We were so happy when we found out he was accepted, and he got his first job in February with Zebedee and Vogue which was amazing.
“He then got another job in March for Childrensalon, which is world's largest online store for designer children's wear.”
The couple gushed over their son’s sweet demeanour and revealed their hopes for his growth.
Mark continued: “He is a natural, he is such a smiley boy anyway, but in front of the camera he does so well. He is a friendly toddler and loves meeting new people.
“He can get a little overwhelmed but as long as myself or Aram is there he is happy to meet new people and join in.
“We're hoping this will help his confidence grow.”
However, there is also another crucial and heartwarming reason for his parents wanting him to be featured in modelling campaigns and shoots around the world.
His dad explains: “It is just something nice for him to do and such a good opportunity for people with disabilities so they can be represented.
“We wanted him to have this opportunity because I think it's so important to show all different representations, to show people something they can aspire to.
“We would love for him to inspire others, and for people to see that they can be like him too.”
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