Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
6.5Mviews
Meet Melanie Gaydos, 28-Year-Old Model With A Rare Genetic Disorder Who Broke All Fashion Stereotypes
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.
More info: Facebook | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
RELATED:
#3
Sherri Gage 7 years ago
Good for her. We're too stuck on.physical beauty. She's showing that there are many types of beauty, beyond the stereotypes.
#4
#11
Amoina Katsky 7 years ago
Best one so far! Not only the picture, but also she, is a work of art here.
#14
Sheila Stamey 7 years ago
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.
#24
#25
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Ildiko S. 7 years ago
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.
Daria B 7 years ago
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".
Load More Replies...
Kobitka-artworks Tumblr 7 years ago
maybe 'Broke All Fashion Stereotypes' but she's still skinny as an anorecter :<
Vanessa Parkin 7 years ago
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!
Load More Replies...
Chris Maynard 7 years ago
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.
Ildiko S. 7 years ago
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.
Daria B 7 years ago
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".
Load More Replies... Kobitka-artworks Tumblr 7 years ago
maybe 'Broke All Fashion Stereotypes' but she's still skinny as an anorecter :<
Vanessa Parkin 7 years ago
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!
Load More Replies... Chris Maynard 7 years ago
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.
Related on Bored Panda
