Benjamin Shortland, 2, from Winchester in the UK, is a child model with Down’s syndrome. His proud father hopes that his son will help show the underrepresented what they can aspire to.

Benjamin recently appeared in Vogue magazine, and modelled Dolce and Gabbana clothing on the children’s fashion website Childrensalon. He is signed to an international modelling agency.

Born just before the Covid-19 pandemic, Benjamin’s first years were tough because, like other children, he could not socialise normally.

But when Benjamin was nine months old, his parents, Mark and Aram, applied for him to do some modelling.

“People always tell us how cute he is”, said Mark. “We were so happy when we found out he was accepted, and he got his first job in February with Zebedee and Vogue, which was amazing…

“He is a natural, he is such a smiley boy anyway, but in front of the camera, he does so well. He is a friendly toddler and loves meeting new people… We’re hoping this will help his confidence grow.”

Mark also explains that he wanted Benjamin “to have this opportunity because I think it’s so important to show all different representations, to show people something they can aspire to...

“We would love for him to inspire others, and for people to see that they can be like him too.”

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “Benjamin is part of a new generation of adorable pioneers forging a way for the underrepresented and undervalued, especially children with Down’s syndrome; as Ellie Goldstein, too, a model with Down’s syndrome modelling for Gucci, has done.

“This is true progressivism, particularly during a time when children with Down’s syndrome are being targeted for abortion, as reported by SPUC.

“Benjamin, a model of cuteness, is doing magnificent work, helping to push back against the unjustifiably negative and often bigoted representation of Down’s syndrome in society. Benjamin is not marked by his condition. The love and joy that he inspires are what truly matter.”

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