Who is Daisy-May Demetre? This nine-year-old double amputee has taken the fashion world by storm

And she's about to walk official shows in both New York and Paris fashion weeks

*** EXCLUSIVE - VIDEO AVAILABLE *** BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - UNDATED: Daisy poses in a blue dress sat on a log, taken in Birmingham, England. A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD double amputee is showing that her differences won't hold her back. Daisy-May Demetre, from Birmingham, UK was born with a condition called fibular hemimelia, a birth defect where part or all of the fibular bone in the leg is missing. In Daisys case she had one tiny fibular bone in one leg and on the other side it was completely missing. With Daisy's balance and mobility affected, Alex and Claire (Daisys mum) decided the best option was for their daughter to have below the knee amputations on both legs. After her operation, Daisy was fitted with prosthetic legs, and learnt to walk, run, jump - and more in them. Alex set up an Instagram account for Daisy, and following the attention she received they applied to Zebedee Management, a modelling agency for diverse models. PHOTOGRAPH BY Barcroft Images (Photo credit should read Barcroft Images / Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Katy Gillett
Sep 02, 2019
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First it was London, then New York, and now Daisy-May Demetre has been invited to model at the top of the Eiffel Tower during Paris Fashion Week on Friday, September 27.

But what makes Daisy-May so special that she's taken the fashion world by storm in just over one year? Well, for a start she's only nine years old. She's also a double amputee.

The Birmingham-born child model had both her legs amputated when she was just 18-months-old, as she was born with fibular hemimelia, a birth defect in which all or part of the fibular bone is missing. She soon learnt to use her prosthetic limbs to walk and move instead.

Partnering with Lulu et Gigi Couture

Last year, she made headlines as she walked a show for Lulu et Gigi Couture during London Kids' Fashion Week. In 2019, she has been chosen to represent the brand once more during this September's New York Fashion Week, which begins on Friday, September 6, and the show in France later this month. She was also named as a brand ambassador for the French-inspired children's clothing line.

Founder and creative director Eni Hegedus-Buiron says Daisy-May is the "perfect" fit for the brand. "I was asked if I was OK with having an amputee walk in my show," she told the BBC. "To be honest I was surprised by the question. For me, a child is a child and thus is beautiful and perfect.

"So of course I said yes."

Ella, Daisy-May's 11-year-old sister, will also be part of the show.

A burgeoning fashion career

While Paris and New York is a big deal for Daisy-May, who is signed with Zeebedee Management, she is no stranger to the spotlight, having modelled over the past 18 months for brands such as Nike, River Island and Boden. She was also named Child of Courage in the Pride of Birmingham Awards.

Her father, Alex Demetre, is not surprised his daughter's success. "She inspired me by showing me who she was," he told CNN. "She takes on life with a smile on her face and she does remarkable things. Whether it's dancing, singing, she is a very special little girl."

He added: "She belongs on the catwalk, you have seen the photos."

A dedication to diversity

Since Lulu et Gigi Couture announced Daisy-May would be involved with the forthcoming fashion show, it has been widely praised for its commitment to inclusion.

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The brand reaffirms this dedication to diversity on its website, stating: "We believe that beauty comes first; from within, and our garments are made to enhance each child’s uniqueness. Inclusion and diversity are fostered, celebrated and encouraged."

Last year New York Fashion Week was hailed for achieving a level of diversity never seen before, according to The Fashion Spot's official report. It found 44.8 per cent of runway castings were models of colour, while employment of plus-size talent also reached a record high.

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