Down syndrome models wow Damascus crowd

A group of children with Down syndrome stole the runway in a fashion show in Damascus on Friday (March 29).

The children showcased night dresses and fashionable men’s wear in an event that organisers say is the first of its kind in war-torn Syria.

“They (children with Down syndrome) can do everything just like any other kid. They will be on stage. They will be in the first fashion show of its kind in Syrian for children with Down syndrome,” said Lujain Asaad, the organiser of the fashion show.

Over two months, the 53 children models were taught how to move and conquer the catwalk.

The event was held to showcase their talent and highlight the importance of integrating people with Down syndrome in society.

According to Rwaida Hilwani, whose child, Nour, was one of the star models of the night, the event helped boost his confidence.

“When he was young, I always felt that people would talk about him, criticise him or be scared of him,” she said.

“But, thank God when he started to participate in these activities, people accepted him and and he started to feel better while interacting with them. He is not scared of people and never gets away from them anymore,” she added.

The most important part of the preparation phase was training them to avoid any distraction that might be caused by the light or the audience.

And during the night, some of the participants were accompanied on stage by models while others managed to perform on their own.

“It was a beautiful experience really. It touched my heart really,” fashion expert, Dania Haffar, described the event with a big smile on her face.

The civil war in Syria has left people with disabilities in dire conditions, according to a report by the World Health Organisation and the Handicap International.