New York Fashion Week: Nine-year-old double amputee walks runway

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A nine-year-old model whose legs were amputated when she was a baby has made her debut at New York Fashion Week.

On Saturday, Daisy-May Demetre walked the runway for luxury childrenswear label Lulu et Gigi, making her the first double amputee to model at the biannual fashion event.

Demetre was born with fibular hemimelia, a defect where part or all of the fibula bone in the leg is missing. Neither of her feet developed properly due to her condition, meaning she was unable to balance or move properly.

When she was 18 months-old, Demetre’s parents decided it would be best to amputate both of her legs below the knee. She has since been fitted with prosthetic legs that allow her to walk, run and jump.

The Birmingham-born child has been modelling since she was eight years old and was invited to walk at New York Fashion Week for Lulu et Gigi after the brand’s designer, Eni Hegedűs-Buiron, spotted her walking at London Kids Fashion Week.

For the show itself, Demetre wore a regal gold and crimson gown with a patterned bodice and a full skirt.

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Demetre began her career by fronting a campaign for River Island.

In August, Demetre told ITV’s This Morning that she was “really excited” to be taking part in New York Fashion Week.

In a few weeks, Demetre will also be taking part in Paris Fashion Week.