She could also be solely 21 years outdated, however Ellie Goldstein has completed many extraordinary issues in her life. A real trailblazer, she made historical past in 2020 by changing into the primary mannequin with Down’s syndrome (or Down syndrome) to function in an advert for a high-end style model – a strong partnership with Gucci – and has gone on to grace the quilt of seven magazines, together with UK Vogue.
But one of many Essex-born star’s favorite achievements got here when she was a number of hours outdated.
© Zak WaltonEllie’s new memoir
In December 2001, a physician suggested Ellie’s mother and father Yvonne and Mark to not feed their new child daughter as they did not know if she would be capable to take a bottle. However, once they did attempt it, their child woman latched on with no drawback in any respect.
It was the primary of many occasions that her unimaginable battle and willpower shone via – and is likely one of the anecdotes recounted in her inspirational new autobiography Against All Odds.
“My best story is me putting my gums on my bottle and not letting go,” she tells HELLO! with a smile on this unique interview.
Laughing, her proud mum Yvonne provides: “She knew what she wanted,” to which Ellie shortly replies: “Yeah… milk!”
The mannequin’s effervescent spirit leaps off the web page in her memoir, which, she says, is “full of funny, cheeky, happy stories”.
As a part of the writing course of, Ellie sat down with her mum to look back over her life to this point, together with how a physician, on the day of Ellie’s beginning, advised her mother and father she would never stroll or speak or be capable to go to school.
Suffice to say, she proved her doubters incorrect – and then some.
© Zak WaltonA joyful pressure of power, Ellie, who had open-heart surgical procedure for a congenital defect when simply six months outdated, is a talented dancer and profitable mannequin who’s now in school finding out performing arts, having earned distinctions in earlier exams.
The first guide to be revealed below presenter and campaigner Katie Piper’s literary imprint The UnSeen, which provides beforehand unheard voices a platform, Ellie’s story is advised in her personal phrases.
There are additionally contributions from Yvonne, 27-year-old sister Amy and influential figures in her life, similar to her dance instructor Beca Barnard and Evette, her major faculty studying help assistant.
“We wanted the readers to know exactly what happened right from the beginning to where she is now and how far she’s come,” Yvonne tells us. “It was very emotional to look back. Ellie had heard what had happened [at the beginning of her life], but she never knew in detail like she does now. She dealt with it really well.”
Ellie and recognition from Barbie
Testament to her affect within the style world, this 12 months Ellie was chosen because the UK ambassador for the primary Barbie doll primarily based on an individual with Down’s syndrome.
“My heart melted a bit when they gave me the doll,” she says. “It was amazing. The Barbie looked like me and my face. I stared at it.”
“Ellie was lost for words – for once!” provides Yvonne, laughing.
© Zak WaltonEllie and her Vogue cowl
And after creating a ardour for garments as a toddler, Ellie’s final dream of being on the quilt of Vogue got here true in May.
“I was like: ‘What? Is this real or am I dreaming?'” she says. “I didn’t get nervous on the photoshoot. I just felt wide awake and excited. I loved it.”
“Ellie went hunting in every shop and she put her [magazine cover] right at the front of the shelves,” Yvonne says with amusing.
With her largest purpose already achieved on the age of 21, the place does Ellie go from right here? “New York,” she says, excitedly. “In lockdown, I couldn’t go to America so I’d love to walk on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.”
Down syndrome
In Against All Odds, Ellie shares her recommendation to anybody who may determine with her story, or really feel disheartened within the face of doubt, writing: “My dreams have come true, and Down syndrome has never held me back. If you have someone in your life with Down’s or another disability, get excited about what they can do, not worried about what they can’t!”
“I’m extremely proud of Ellie,” says Yvonne. “She’s achieved everything she’s wanted to. I hope others learn from her and that her happiness will rub off on people when they read her book.”
“She’s very determined and confident…” she continues, to which Ellie provides – “and sassy!”
Against All Odds by Ellie Goldstein, a part of Katie Piper’s The UnSeen collection, is out on 21 September, revealed by SPCK
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