© David PD Hyde
Beauty
Ellie Goldstein, the breakout star of Gucci Beauty, on why we need to see more models with disabilities in campaigns
After starring in an editorial for Vogue Italia, the British model has caught the world’s attention. Here, the 18-year-old opens up about the need for better representation in the media, her love of modelling and her experience of having Down’s syndrome
Growing up in Ilford, Essex, 18-year-old Ellie Goldstein always wanted to be famous. “I love lots of attention,” she tells Vogue over email. Now, thanks to starring in a special new editorial for Gucci Beauty in partnership with Vogue Italia, all eyes are finally focusing on her.
The result of an Instagram scouting project, the editorial centres around the idea of authenticity. Shot by London-based photographer David PD Hyde, Goldstein can be seen smiling and wearing the brand’s buildable Mascara L’Obscur. “I designed L’Obscur mascara for an authentic person who uses makeup to tell their story of freedom, in their way,” says Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele.
Despite being diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at birth, Goldstein has never let her condition get in the way of living her life. After deciding she wanted to be a model, she signed to Zebedee Management at 15 years old, an agency committed to representing ‘models with disabilities and alternative appearances’—something Goldstein is keen to uphold. Here, she shares her story.
© David PD Hyde
Growing up, who was your beauty icon?
“My beauty icon was Marilyn Monroe; my mum has books about the Hollywood stars.”
How would you describe your relationship with beauty?
“[It] is wonderful. I really enjoy makeup. I use it lightly as I think it’s nicer on me, as I have a pale complexion. My earliest beauty memory is when my sister Amy used to put makeup on me when I was two years old [and] she was 10.”
How did you get into modelling?
“I got into [it] when I was 15 years old. My mum found out about Zebedee Management and we decided to join them. The best part of modelling is showing myself off to everyone. I love to be in front of the camera and show how professional I am.”
Zebedee is committed to representing models with disabilities and alternative appearances. Why is this so important to you?
“Representation is very important to me—let the world see that anyone can model and act with a disability.”
Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Down’s syndrome?
“I haven’t had any bad experiences having Down’s syndrome. I think it’s because of my personality. The only challenge I have faced was maybe people signing to me and talking to my mum instead of me, until realising that I can communicate and that I am just like them, maybe just slower at learning some things.”
How did you overcome that?
“By being myself. Once people realise I can talk and have a great character, they are different towards me and they smile. There needs to be more positivity out there and people should give us a chance and not be so ignorant.”
How does it feel to star in the new Gucci campaign?
“It feels so amazing and fabulous to be part of the Gucci Beauty campaign. I feel so proud of myself, especially to have been chosen for this. When I look at the images, I feel happy with myself, and all the likes and comments on social media across the world have been overwhelming.”
You’re viewed as a role model by many. Do you feel a responsibility towards your fans?
“I enjoy being a role model. It shows that if you follow your hopes and dreams, you can achieve anything.”
What advice would you give to those who don’t feel confident in themselves?
“Be yourself and don’t worry about what other people think of you.”
When do you feel most beautiful?
“I always feel beautiful but especially when I’m in the media, offered modelling work and wearing lovely makeup.”
Aside from modelling, what else are you interested in?
“I love to do drama and dance, and love reading and learning new scripts.”
What are your hopes for the future?
“My hope as a model is to become famous one day. My dream job [is to] be on the front cover of Vogue and work for other big brands. My hopes and dreams are to show the world who I am and what I can achieve.”
Also read:
Vogue’s guide on how to become a model
