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Wheelchair-bound woman becomes model

A wheelchair-bound blogger-turned-model has won a major international fashion campaign.

A wheelchair-bound blogger-turned-model has won a major international fashion campaign.

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Jillian Mercado, a 26-year-old New Yorker who suffers from muscular dystrophy – is the star of Diesel’s latest ad campaign.

“I hope this ad gives hope to people who are maybe saying ‘my life is over’ because they are disabled,” Jillian told the Daily Mail. “You can totally do anything. Nothing should be stopping you!”

It’s not the first time Diesel has featured a non-traditional model in a campaign – the streetwear brand’s recent Reboot series showcased the beauty of a plus-sized punk girl and an androgynous former Olympic swimmer.

The past year has seen a huge increase in the number of alternative models being cast in fashion campaigns – here are some of our favourite unorthodox beauties.

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Two individuals with platinum blonde hair, both wearing denim outfits; one is seated in a wheelchair.

Jillian Mercado is proud of her wheelchair and wanted it to feature prominently in the shot.

Diesel’s Reboot campaign featured a plus-size punk girl and an androgynous former Olympic swimmer.

Two portraits of a woman with dark hair; left in a black top, right in a denim jacket, both gazing thoughtfully.

Moffy, who has cross-eyes, photographed by Tyrone LeBon for POP magazine.

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Two women posing fashionably; one in a fitted top with pencil skirt, another in a patterned top with a voluminous skirt.

Debbie van der Putten, who has one arm, is having success as a high fashion model.

Model posing in two fashion outfits with "Tenk nytt" and Oslo City text. One in a crop top, skirt; the other in a blouse, pants.

Kelly Knox for Think New.

Model in a red top and black skirt with text: "We All Walk in Different Shoes" and "KennethCole.com" branding.

Double amputee Aimee Mullins is a L’Oreal spokesmodel.

Individual in colorful outfits with "Legalize Gay!" tops, poses confidently.

Transgender model Isis King for American Apparel.

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A woman in lingerie sits on a stool, promoting diversity and inclusion in modeling for those with disabilities.

Faye Povey doesn’t let her crutches stop her from modelling.

Person with blonde hair poses confidently indoors; one with stylish makeup and another in a leather jacket by the window.

Jenna Talackova has made it as a fashion model after being disqualified from Miss Universe because she was born male.

Alt text: "Woman in lingerie pose for LA FEMME magazine cover, elegant setting with silk drapes and chairs."

Transgender model Carmen Carerra in a risque ad for La Femme fragrance.

A woman in a wheelchair wearing retro-style swimwear salutes with a smile against a plain background.

Sophie Morgan models from her wheelchair.

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Young child smiling, lying on blue knitted pillows, wearing a pink sweatshirt.

Holly Greenhow, 7, has cerebral palsy and is a model for Mini Boden.

A smiling toddler wearing a floral swimsuit with a pink flower clip sits on a rocky beach.

Valentina Guerrero, who has Down syndrome, modelling for DC Kids swimwear.

A young child in dinosaur pajamas stands by a kitchen counter holding a toy, with a teddy bear nearby.

Seb White, who has Down syndrome, modelling pyjamas for JoJo Maman Bebe.

Four children smiling and standing in a row, wearing colorful outfits, against a green background.

Six-year-old Ryan Langston (far left) has Down syndrome and models for US Target.

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Three children standing together, two girls and one boy, dressed in stylish casual attire, with neutral background.

Ryan has also modelled for US department store Nordstrom.

Two children smiling, holding a large paper owl cutout in front of a colorful backdrop with flowers and a rainbow.

Five-year-old Natalia Goleniowski (right) also has Down syndrome but models for Frugi.

Young girl with blonde hair, wearing a coat with a fur-lined hood, smiles warmly at the camera.

Ella Kinder, a child model with Down syndrome. Photo by Carrie at photographybycarrieperez.com.

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