His military career was cut short when he lost a leg in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan but Alex Minsky wasted no time finding a surprising new profession – underwear model.
The 25-year-old amputee spent 47 days in a coma after his truck was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2009. As well as losing his leg, he suffered brain injuries and severe burns.
He suffered from depression when he returned to the US and developed an alcohol problem before deciding to stop drinking and start working out. A few months later he was discovered by a photographer who quickly got him work as a male model.
Minsky now exercises for four hours every day to keep his physique photo shoot ready and has appeared in ad campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands.
Encouragingly, he’s not the only unorthodox model to find fame in recent months – these non-traditional beauties are all making waves in the fashion world.
War veteran Alex Minsky lost his left leg in Afghanistan but has now found success in the modelling industry. Photography by Martin Ryter Hollywood.
He suffered from depression when he returned to the US and developed an alcohol problem before deciding to stop drinking and start working out. A few months later he was discovered by a photographer who quickly got him work as a male model.
Louis Evans, 22, who was tormented for his bright red hair has triumphed over his bullies, becoming an internationally successful catwalk model.
Sarah Wright was bullied for being albino but this year won the UK’s Alternative Model of the Year crown.
Alternative models have been growing in popularity in recent years. Jillian Mercado, who is wheelchair-bound, appears in the latest Diesel fashion campaign.
Moffy, who has cross-eyes, is another alternative model who has shot to fame recently. Photographed by Tyrone LeBon for POP magazine.
Debbie van der Putten, who has one arm, is having success as a high fashion model.
Kelly Knox for Think New.
Double amputee Aimee Mullins is a L’Oreal spokesmodel.
Transgender model Isis King for American Apparel.
Faye Povey doesn’t let her crutches stop her from modelling.
Jenna Talackova has made it as a fashion model after being disqualified from Miss Universe because she was born male.
Transgender model Carmen Carerra in a risque ad for La Femme fragrance.
She spent the first 21 years of her life living in one of the world’s most conservative communities – this year Amish beauty Kate Stoltz has found freedom and a modelling contract.
Sophie Morgan models from her wheelchair.
Holly Greenhow, 7, has cerebral palsy and is a model for Mini Boden.
Valentina Guerrero, who has Down syndrome, modelling for DC Kids swimwear.
Seb White, who has Down syndrome, modelling pyjamas for JoJo Maman Bebe.
Six-year-old Ryan Langston (far left) has Down syndrome and models for US Target.
Ryan has also modelled for US department store Nordstrom.
Five-year-old Natalia Goleniowski (right) also has Down syndrome but models for Frugi.
Ella Kinder, a child model with Down syndrome. Photo by Carrie at photographybycarrieperez.com.
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