Teen becomes first model with Down syndrome to pose for Gucci Beauty: 'I would love to be famous'

Ellie Goldstein modelled Gucci's Mascara L’Obscur in partnership with 'Vogue Italia'

Ellie Goldstein is the first model with Down syndrome to pose for Gucci Beauty. Instagram / @elliejg16_zebedeemodel  

Ellie Goldstein has become the first model with Down syndrome to pose for Gucci Beauty.

The model, 18, took part in a campaign for the luxury brand's Mascara L'Obscur, which was featured online by Vogue Italia.

Goldstein, who hails from Essex, England, is represented by specialist talent agency Zebedee Management, which works with people with disabilities, "supplying diverse models and offering sensitive representation".

The cosmetic product is designed specifically for "an authentic person who uses make-up to tell their story of freedom, in their way," explained Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci.

"We called it L’Obscur because this word balances charm and mystery," he added.

The agency shared her portrait on Instagram, writing that it was also the "biggest liked post ever over on @gucci".

At the time of writing, Goldstein's post on Gucci's account has more than 800,000 likes and almost 65,000 on Gucci Beauty's feed.

Goldstein added in a comment: "I love this. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and a fabulous day shooting."

This isn't the first high-profile ad the model, who studies arts at a college in Essex, has taken part in, however. She's already featured in campaigns for brands such as Superdrug, Nike and Vodafone.

She said she's particularly proud of this new photo shoot, though, adding that she would "love to be famous".

"I'm looking forward to modelling for other brands."

Gucci, owned by conglomerate Kering, has been slammed in the past for cultural appropriation and lack of diversity among its ranks.

This includes when it last year released a headpiece that resembled a turban, which was criticised by the Sikh Coalition in the US. The fashion item was part of the same collection that featured a balaclava knit with a cutout mouth and large red lips, which it was forced to withdraw when critics said it resembled blackface.

In July, the brand responded by appointing a diversity chief as part of a drive to restore its reputation.