More than a month ago, my friend and Kumare, Claire Saycon, asked me if I would be willing to participate in a fashion show for SM Fashion with Gellibean.
Gelli’s first fashion show was with my inaanak, Rocco. Rocco is Claire’s son.
I was more than elated to be asked to participate in such an endeavor and to include Gelli in a fashion show for everyone to see just how beautiful and charming she is.
Keep in mind, I know how the fashion industry works. While I have dabbled a bit in some commercial modeling, I know and understand what pushes this industry.
Fashion represented by industry movers, kids, and international models…everyone is represented.
BEAUTY.
But we also know that beauty can be defined in many ways, right?
I just realized as I’m writing this post that Nino isn’t in any of the pictures with us! Thanks for snapping this photo Babe!
I have been blessed to know and understand beauty in a way very different than mainstream media and advertising. After Gelli’s birth I have met so many beautiful kids and adults that I would not have met, had it not been for Trisomy 21.
FLASHBACK: Imagine my disappointment when I approached one of the well known children’s clothing brands, here in Manila (more than a year ago) with a pitch for a campaign that I hold near and dear to my heart.
#ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty is the brainchild of a Momma on a mission. Katie Driscoll is also a momma who has been gifted an extra chromosome through the birth of her daughter, Cora.
“CHANGING THE FACE OF BEAUTY IS A NONPROFIT CORPORATION THAT IS
COMMITTED TO EQUAL REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
IN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA WORLDWIDE.”
–CTFOB
Imagine also the sadness I felt in my heart when I was told through a friend by the head of marketing from said children’s apparel company that including a little girl like Gelli wouldn’t be good for the brand.
But I digress.
SM Stores thought it would be a GREAT IDEA to include Gelli in their #STYLEUPSMMAKATI summer fashion show because they DO SEE the beauty in having a little girl with her vibrant energy walk the runway.
How cute are all these kids? Photo Credit: The SM Store
Imagine yet again, how full my heart was to know that Gelli would be side by side with typical kids showcasing the fun and colorful fashion choices that SM Stores have to offer for children of all abilities.
Even Lolo and Lola were there to watch their granddaughter strut her stuff.
I was able to invite some of my dearest friends, and of course our family who love and support us to be there to cheer my little girl on, as we strutted the catwalk together.
I cant tell you just how much joy the two of us had in our hearts for this fashion show! Even Noah and David were there to cheer Gellibean on! Read more about Noah’s adventures with his Momma at ManilaMommy.com. #StyleUpSMMakati
HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE!!!
IN CASE YOU WEREN’T PAYING ATTENTION?!?!
THIS IS HUGE.
SO VERY HUGE, AND SO VERY FULFILLING.
Thank you Janelle for supporting my Gellibean. Style Up SM Makati
All of the love and support we have from family and friends near and far have made it easier for me to be bold and brave in putting my daughter out there for everyone to get to know and love.
Even during our practice run with the other models, Gellibean was ready for the stage! I explained every step of the way what we needed to do next, so that she wouldn’t be surprised or afraid of this completely new experience for her.
Photo Credit: Lou Samonte Style Up SM Makati
Because of my own experience, I knew that I had to be sure to keep Gelli happy while we were backstage preparing for the show. I asked her yaya to pack her favorite toys and snacks to keep her occupied while we were hanging out.
This was a key component in our experience for Gelli’s first (Yes, I’m being bold and saying FIRST, because I’m hoping they will ask us again.) modeling gig.
With nearly 50 models, stylists, assistants, companions and key brand people behind stage, we could have had a melt down. A little bit of preparation was all we needed, to make sure that it was a fun experience for all.
On some days, I am totally prepared. Backstage at the fashion show, we avoided any and all melt downs by packing up Gellis favorite things and bringing them with us.
In fact, because we prepared so well, we even had the other children who were also participating in the show, coming and hanging out with Gelli and Rocco as well.
Gelli and Camel pronounced (KA Mel) had a great time with their art apps, eating dried Mangoes, and playing together.
Some of the foreign models took to Gelli quite strongly.
I was so happy to see Gelli entertained.
Being loved on…
And being accepted for the beautiful little girl that she is…
#STYLEUPSMMakati kicked off this summer fashion show on March 15th, and for our family, it was a day that we will remember forever.
She has never sat so still in her LIFE!!! My girl is so kikay!
Gelli had her hair and make-up done.
Even Ninang came to make sure Gelli was all set for her Fashion Show Debut!
The stage was set.
Photo Credit: The SM Store
The music was chosen.
And my daughter was the first little girl with Down Syndrome to represent SM Stores in their biggest fashion show to date.
Photo Credit: The SM Store for Style Up SM Makati
The fashion show was attended by celebrities and people in the industry who all saw the beauty in my little girl…
Photo Credit: The SM Store
And even if she got a little shocked with just how loud the music was…she warmed up and rocked it out, like the rockstar that she is!
Photo Credit: Neva Santos
Thank you SM Stores for giving us the opportunity and for #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty.
Photo Credit: Myrza Sison
You know what else I realized through this whole event?
That I really like some of the styles that SM Fashion now has! I’ve been visiting SM for years…but for so many different reasons (They have it all, after all!) other than buying cute tops and outfits for the kids. I found myself looking up at some of the models, and thinking, “Hey! I would wear that! That’s super cute!”
I think it’s time for a little summer shopping with the kiddos!
Click on the photo to watch the Fashion Show in its entirety. Photo Credit: Screen Capture of www.digitalfashionweekmanila.com #STYLEUPSMMakati Style Up SM Makati
Love this new format! Congratulations!
Mish!! She really rocked it out!!! What a cutie!
Fabulous job Gelli!!!
Thank you Joey! She did such a great job. We are so thankful for the opportunity.
Felt so happy looking at your daughter’s photos. Looks like she had a great time — her happiness radiates through the screen. 🙂
Thank you Madz. She did have a great time! And so did her Momma! Thanks for stopping by!
I felt so happy looking at your cute daughter. She totally rocked out the event and I can see her energy and happiness through the screen. I guess that event gave you and her a new life experience. It seems you’re your daughter will be a model with her beauty. She’s really a true beauty like her mother. Also, I’m happy that you gave your daughter an opportunity to participate in that event. It’s a new life experience not only for her but also for you, if I’m not mistaken. I hope she’s growing up well and enjoying her little life, also, learning good things that will be useful in her future. And, of course, I guess her mother helps her a lot and encourage her. Wish you the best!