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Meet Melanie Gaydos, 28-Year-Old Model With A Rare Genetic Disorder Who Broke All Fashion Stereotypes
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Melanie Gaydos is challenging the fashion industry and highlighting the importance of diversity in it. She was born with ectodermal dysplasia — an umbrella term for a series of rare genetic disorders that affects the development of skin, hair, and nails. Despite being bullied for her appearance when younger, this didn’t stop her from becoming a famous model and landing a variety of different gigs.
Appearing in a Rammstein music video helped Melanie to garner wider attention and the offers kept coming in after that. Her unique appearance lends itself perfectly to more avant-garde clothing and high fashion styles. However, she's refused to be boxed in as an alternative model and she's also walked in multiple New York Fashion Week shows.
This collection of creative photography captures Melanie in stirring fantasy scenes and different editorial shots. Some may find her look disturbing — a stigma that Melanie has faced her entire life. However, others will appreciate her unconventional beauty and recognize her incredible work as both a fashion model and an inspiring role model.
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Good for her. We're too stuck on.physical beauty. She's showing that there are many types of beauty, beyond the stereotypes.
Best one so far! Not only the picture, but also she, is a work of art here.
This young lady is a goddess. Absolutely wonderful. They say you can tell art, not by the way it make you feel, but that it does make you feel. I am awestruck by this entire series.
Amazing pictures! I love their world, the style, everything. But tbh, it seems that it ain't much about breaking stereotypes. Fashion photography nowadays is kind of a "freak show" - not in a way, that I think they are freaks, but that they hunt down people who look very different and display them. The stranger the better - then they say "oh, everyone is beautiful", which sells very well. On one hand, I am happy for the message, on the other hand... Are these people really respected in this context? I dunno, it all leaves me confues:D My moral compass is spinning.
I have the same thoughts ad you. But my conclusion usually ends with the typical "oh, well, if they're truly happy with this, good for them".
You have truth in your words - and I am not the one to tell if this does good to them or bad, or is this will help society to fight being hooked on perfect looks or not. But you know, there are those cases then you feel like: "something is not right about this". I tend to rather trust this voice in my head. I hope it doesn't lie to often haha
I feel the exact same way @caitlynmccracken
My thoughts, too
The explanation is simple, it's called art
Something they do with racial minorities is portraying them as animalistic, and I think it's something that they're doing now with this new population of models. The crouching, the bugs, the animalistic, non-human type thing their doing is more backwards than they make it out to be. I don't want to dwell on the negative, but images mean things to the public that are bombarded by them, and I don't like any message that suggests anyone is less than human.
Every model is different in a way,. Black, white ,Hispanic ,oriental, blondes, brunettes,, male, female, androgynous, skinny, plus sized, gap-toothed to name some. Fashion is in constant evolution where it gives room to anyone who wants to be part of it. Now it came to the point where in the unconventional, as perceived by some(because of looks or disorder or any condition), penetrated the once exclusively-for-the-perfect looking industry. Fashion is art and it can be anything. It should be inclusive. Nothing is disrespectful about pointing the spotlight to an unconventional subject who can give inspiration and hope to others regardless of being different. A freak show will only be a freak show, if you really believe that there are freaks . All else is art if you choose to see diversity and beauty.
Oriental? There are no oriental people... they are Asian.... and that is a super derogatory name to call them... I’m sure you didn’t realize this... but don’t call Asian’s oriental ... they don’t like that very much ... it’s kinda like callin* a Black person the N word... it’s a no go
Gosh....I didn't read any comments....I just posted how I felt....as I was reading yours....as far as the young lady goes...we both were thinkg on the same page...
I really don't think these people are being "hunted" or “abused” by fashion companies. And calling these pictures "a freak show" is really offensive. All the cases (and I know a few) where a person with a disability or a syndrome has become a model are cases where it has been this person’s dream to become one. Who are we to say they should not be able to fulfill their dream if a fashion photographer has seen the potential and beauty in them? And it is not for us to decide if they are being abused or not. They are adults perfectly capable to make that decision for themselves. If looking at someone who is different in this context makes you uncomfortable just keep calm and carry on.
Well, your answer actually makes my point even clearer. This is not about “parading people around”. This is about able bodied people telling disabled people what they can and cannot do. Telling them what social roles are acceptable and what are not. The freak shows in the past are a different thing. These are adult people making choices for themselves and not people being sold to circus or people who have no other way for providing for themselves. This is what I mean when I say it makes us uncomfortable. All sorts of people are taking social roles that have not been available for them before and that does make us uncomfortable. We want to protect them from abuse so we limit what they can do. And that is the core of the problem. In your comment you are actually taking a role of an adult and treating disabled models like children. Just think about it. Would you say these things about someone you think is your equal on every level?
I am afraid you misunderstood me. I am not calling these pictures in particular a freak show, but the phenomena that is happening in fashion industry. What means, that they parade people around for them being different. No one said they shouldn't be allowed. If you think of real freak shows in the past - many times it was the same argument. If they are happy being there, what is wrong with it? And I won't be able to tell you what is the problem exactly. I just feel like that this is not right. Why would these pics make me uncomfortable? This part I don't get at all.
maybe 'Broke All Fashion Stereotypes' but she's still skinny as an anorecter :<
If you think that France has just banned models that are too thin which this lady obviously is, the clothes are not going to fit normal people who tend to be larger than the model, and I agree she is being used as a shock tactic to attract attention. What is wrong with admitting to yourself that you are just not built to be a model, or play a certain sport, or do a certain activity it seems that everything is about having to accept people taking part in activities that they really are not good at, not able to do properly or making more abled bodied people drag them or push them throughout these activities. I can accept there are things I can't do why then can't anybody else!
Clearly she's good at it. She in no way looks like an amateur model. If photographers want her and fashion mags want her. Who cares? she's making a living doing something that a few years ago would have never happened. It's just about acceptance. She's helping us to realize I doesn't matter what our differences are, we can all find our passion and go for it! I applaud her.
Her work, that I have seen, is as good as any other model. She is blessed with fashion modeleque long and very slim physique and wonderful skin. She brings something unique and frankly beautiful to her work. The samples above prove beyond any doubt that she is a high level fashion and fine art model. Anyone who debates this has obviously not looked with open eyes. And the question of sizes. What? Classically high fashion models have for some years been very slim and often tall but clothes are made in a range of sizes. I can't believe the size comments. Sounds like unkindness and jelousy as per mean and bitchy schoolgirl to me.
Y'all are full of hate
I think the "too thin" thing is runway models. Because it seems to me like, EVERYBODY is becoming models these days. All different people, all different sizes.
YOu are thinking logically which i understand but I don't know if we should just say hey your to skinny you can't be a fashion model but then again the clothes wouldn't fit so you have a point there I am so confused my brain is slowly getting fryed I don't know if I should think morally or logically, the moral side of me says that "Anyone can be a model, everyone is beautiful but then the logical side says exactly what you said, but either way no model has the bodytype of a regular person. Yeop now i don't even know what I am saying
So you are suggesting that this model...can't be a model? Because it sure looks to me like is one, and a good one at that.
Exactly my thought. It says more about the so-called fashion indisry than the individuals that are being used.......fashion itself is a freak show....
Fashion is as much about art as it is clothing. These photos are clearly an art shoot.
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That's racist.
Some people are naturally skinny.
Yea, she's skinny but not anorexic. Pretty normal where I'm from... Plus, models are skinny (anorexic isn't attractive) because the clothes look better on these models (sorry, but be real), they don't need to use a lot of fabric to make them and considering how many people are obese, motivating them to slim down isn't a bad thing. And the ones with medical conditions preventing it, well you have a genuine reason, but the rest don't, MOST don't. So don't stuff your face and sulk how the world is unfair (on such unimportant things like fashion model choices) and get off your ass. "Praising" being fat is like praising being lazy or lack of willpower... There's no way to please everyone anyway, because normal people are going to be looking at the clothes (sorry fat hanging out would be a ...distraction), obsessed people with issues are going to be looking at the models.
True
This article really mischaracterises what ED is. It does NOT, in fact, prevent teeth, nails, pores, cartilage, and bones from developing (look at the photos... clearly this model has bones... duh). It is a group of syndromes involving varying degrees of abnormality to the ectodermal structures. The disorder most commonly involves abnormal growth of hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands, salivary glands, cranial-facial structure, and fingers & toes. Actor Michael Berryman also suffers from the disorder.
Amazing pictures! I love their world, the style, everything. But tbh, it seems that it ain't much about breaking stereotypes. Fashion photography nowadays is kind of a "freak show" - not in a way, that I think they are freaks, but that they hunt down people who look very different and display them. The stranger the better - then they say "oh, everyone is beautiful", which sells very well. On one hand, I am happy for the message, on the other hand... Are these people really respected in this context? I dunno, it all leaves me confues:D My moral compass is spinning.
I have the same thoughts ad you. But my conclusion usually ends with the typical "oh, well, if they're truly happy with this, good for them".
You have truth in your words - and I am not the one to tell if this does good to them or bad, or is this will help society to fight being hooked on perfect looks or not. But you know, there are those cases then you feel like: "something is not right about this". I tend to rather trust this voice in my head. I hope it doesn't lie to often haha
I feel the exact same way @caitlynmccracken
My thoughts, too
The explanation is simple, it's called art
Something they do with racial minorities is portraying them as animalistic, and I think it's something that they're doing now with this new population of models. The crouching, the bugs, the animalistic, non-human type thing their doing is more backwards than they make it out to be. I don't want to dwell on the negative, but images mean things to the public that are bombarded by them, and I don't like any message that suggests anyone is less than human.
Every model is different in a way,. Black, white ,Hispanic ,oriental, blondes, brunettes,, male, female, androgynous, skinny, plus sized, gap-toothed to name some. Fashion is in constant evolution where it gives room to anyone who wants to be part of it. Now it came to the point where in the unconventional, as perceived by some(because of looks or disorder or any condition), penetrated the once exclusively-for-the-perfect looking industry. Fashion is art and it can be anything. It should be inclusive. Nothing is disrespectful about pointing the spotlight to an unconventional subject who can give inspiration and hope to others regardless of being different. A freak show will only be a freak show, if you really believe that there are freaks . All else is art if you choose to see diversity and beauty.
Oriental? There are no oriental people... they are Asian.... and that is a super derogatory name to call them... I’m sure you didn’t realize this... but don’t call Asian’s oriental ... they don’t like that very much ... it’s kinda like callin* a Black person the N word... it’s a no go
Gosh....I didn't read any comments....I just posted how I felt....as I was reading yours....as far as the young lady goes...we both were thinkg on the same page...
I really don't think these people are being "hunted" or “abused” by fashion companies. And calling these pictures "a freak show" is really offensive. All the cases (and I know a few) where a person with a disability or a syndrome has become a model are cases where it has been this person’s dream to become one. Who are we to say they should not be able to fulfill their dream if a fashion photographer has seen the potential and beauty in them? And it is not for us to decide if they are being abused or not. They are adults perfectly capable to make that decision for themselves. If looking at someone who is different in this context makes you uncomfortable just keep calm and carry on.
Well, your answer actually makes my point even clearer. This is not about “parading people around”. This is about able bodied people telling disabled people what they can and cannot do. Telling them what social roles are acceptable and what are not. The freak shows in the past are a different thing. These are adult people making choices for themselves and not people being sold to circus or people who have no other way for providing for themselves. This is what I mean when I say it makes us uncomfortable. All sorts of people are taking social roles that have not been available for them before and that does make us uncomfortable. We want to protect them from abuse so we limit what they can do. And that is the core of the problem. In your comment you are actually taking a role of an adult and treating disabled models like children. Just think about it. Would you say these things about someone you think is your equal on every level?
I am afraid you misunderstood me. I am not calling these pictures in particular a freak show, but the phenomena that is happening in fashion industry. What means, that they parade people around for them being different. No one said they shouldn't be allowed. If you think of real freak shows in the past - many times it was the same argument. If they are happy being there, what is wrong with it? And I won't be able to tell you what is the problem exactly. I just feel like that this is not right. Why would these pics make me uncomfortable? This part I don't get at all.
maybe 'Broke All Fashion Stereotypes' but she's still skinny as an anorecter :<
If you think that France has just banned models that are too thin which this lady obviously is, the clothes are not going to fit normal people who tend to be larger than the model, and I agree she is being used as a shock tactic to attract attention. What is wrong with admitting to yourself that you are just not built to be a model, or play a certain sport, or do a certain activity it seems that everything is about having to accept people taking part in activities that they really are not good at, not able to do properly or making more abled bodied people drag them or push them throughout these activities. I can accept there are things I can't do why then can't anybody else!
Clearly she's good at it. She in no way looks like an amateur model. If photographers want her and fashion mags want her. Who cares? she's making a living doing something that a few years ago would have never happened. It's just about acceptance. She's helping us to realize I doesn't matter what our differences are, we can all find our passion and go for it! I applaud her.
Her work, that I have seen, is as good as any other model. She is blessed with fashion modeleque long and very slim physique and wonderful skin. She brings something unique and frankly beautiful to her work. The samples above prove beyond any doubt that she is a high level fashion and fine art model. Anyone who debates this has obviously not looked with open eyes. And the question of sizes. What? Classically high fashion models have for some years been very slim and often tall but clothes are made in a range of sizes. I can't believe the size comments. Sounds like unkindness and jelousy as per mean and bitchy schoolgirl to me.
Y'all are full of hate
I think the "too thin" thing is runway models. Because it seems to me like, EVERYBODY is becoming models these days. All different people, all different sizes.
YOu are thinking logically which i understand but I don't know if we should just say hey your to skinny you can't be a fashion model but then again the clothes wouldn't fit so you have a point there I am so confused my brain is slowly getting fryed I don't know if I should think morally or logically, the moral side of me says that "Anyone can be a model, everyone is beautiful but then the logical side says exactly what you said, but either way no model has the bodytype of a regular person. Yeop now i don't even know what I am saying
So you are suggesting that this model...can't be a model? Because it sure looks to me like is one, and a good one at that.
Exactly my thought. It says more about the so-called fashion indisry than the individuals that are being used.......fashion itself is a freak show....
Fashion is as much about art as it is clothing. These photos are clearly an art shoot.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That's racist.
Some people are naturally skinny.
Yea, she's skinny but not anorexic. Pretty normal where I'm from... Plus, models are skinny (anorexic isn't attractive) because the clothes look better on these models (sorry, but be real), they don't need to use a lot of fabric to make them and considering how many people are obese, motivating them to slim down isn't a bad thing. And the ones with medical conditions preventing it, well you have a genuine reason, but the rest don't, MOST don't. So don't stuff your face and sulk how the world is unfair (on such unimportant things like fashion model choices) and get off your ass. "Praising" being fat is like praising being lazy or lack of willpower... There's no way to please everyone anyway, because normal people are going to be looking at the clothes (sorry fat hanging out would be a ...distraction), obsessed people with issues are going to be looking at the models.
True
This article really mischaracterises what ED is. It does NOT, in fact, prevent teeth, nails, pores, cartilage, and bones from developing (look at the photos... clearly this model has bones... duh). It is a group of syndromes involving varying degrees of abnormality to the ectodermal structures. The disorder most commonly involves abnormal growth of hair, teeth, nails, sweat glands, salivary glands, cranial-facial structure, and fingers & toes. Actor Michael Berryman also suffers from the disorder.