Teen Vogue celebrates diversity with 3 powerful September covers
The September Issue is the most important issue of the year for any fashion publication.
Teen Vogue have chosen to celebrate and showcase diversity with their choice of models this September, featuring three models with disabilities.
'There wasn't anyone who looked like me in any magazines or mainstream media.' said Jillian Mercado, one of the stunning cover stars who has spastic muscular dystrophy.
'It excluded me from something that I was very passionate about.'
Donning Comme-des-Garcons and Kenzo, Jillian's striking features and on-camera capabilities send a clear message – models with disabilities are here, they're talented, and they deserve recognition and representation.
Model, amputee and disability activist Mama Cāx also features in the trio – and wrote a post to her 160,000 followers expressing her delight.
'This bald Haitian girl with one leg is on the freakin cover of Teen Vogue’s September issue,' she wrote. 'The past couple of weeks have been unbelievably surreal.'
'When I started looking for a modelling agency 10 months ago, it was met with plenty of rejections but I love a challenge. I found a family at @jagmodels and have been so grateful to be represented by an agency that valued my personality and mission above everything.'
'@teenvogue launched their latest issue with 3 separate covers – defying beauty standards and showing that people with disabilities can have a space in fashion.'
'What makes us different, makes us unique, we become assets when we see this world through a unique lens. This is also a greater call to inclusion elsewhere–Our time is now. To the little girls who will see this, don't let anyone tell you you can't, dream the impossible and go for it.'
Gymnast and model Chelsea Werner poses elegantly atop a tier of fabric-covered platforms in a high-low mix of Marni and Reeboks on the third cover.
The two time world champion gymnast and four time united states Special Olympics champion's powerful stance and life achievements are a stoic reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance, and opver on Instagram, she hails her Teen Vogue cover an ' amazing honour.'
The triad of images have received a huge amount of praise on social media.
'I’ve never loved the cover (s) of a magazine more! Honestly you guys have the BEST September issue out,' reads one comment.
'This is so important. This is so long overdue,' said another.
