Actress makes history as the first ever model with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week

 

• American Horror Story star Jamie Brewer took to the catwalk at Carrie Hammer's fashion show on Thursday
• The 30-year-old walked the runway as a part of the designer's Role Models Not Runway Models campaign 

American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer has become the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week.

The 30-year-old strutted the catwalk in designer Carrie Hammer’s show on Thursday morning wearing a bespoke ensemble which was inspired by her roles on the popular FX horror series. 

'Young girls and even young women… [see me] and say: "Hey, if she can do it so can I,"' Miss Brewer told Today. 'It’s a true inspiration being a role model for any young women to [encourage them] in being who they are and showing who they are.' 

Catwalk pioneer: American Horror Story actress Jamie Brewer, 30, made New York Fashion Week history by being the first model with Down syndrome to walk the runway

Model pose: Miss Brewer took to the catwalk at designer Carrie Hammer's fashion show on Thursday

Miss Brewer walked in Miss Hammer's fashion show as a part of the designer's Role Models Not Runway Models campaign, which she first began after being asked to show her collection at New York Fashion Week last year.

'I called up my existing clients who were all incredible women and one of them happened to be a doctor and a sex therapist who happened to be in wheelchair,' Miss Hammer told the outlet. 'It was never intended to be this incredible statement.'

After Dr Danielle Sheypuk became the first woman to 'walk' the runway in a wheelchair, hundreds of people reached out to Miss Hammer to thank her, including campaigner Katie Driscoll, who runs a nonprofit organization which advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the media. 

Miss Driscoll, who was a co-founder of Changing the Face of Beauty, has a daughter Grace, who was born with Down syndrome.

Runway pro: Miss Brewer struck a confident pose after her strut down the catwalk 

Custom made: The designer chose to put the actress in a black A-line dress because American Horror Story is 'dark, scary and bewitching'

Fashion inspiration: Miss Hammer (left) cast Miss Brewer (right) in her Fall 2015 show as a part of her Role Models Not Runway Models campaign

'Thank you for being the change that is long overdue,' she wrote to Miss Hammer. 'I could literally cry every time I read an article talking about your decision to include a model who just happens to have a disability! YOU are what this world needed!' 

Miss Driscoll also asked Miss Hammer to find a role model for Grace. 

Last September, Miss Hammer left a lasting impact on New York Fashion Week after she enlisted quadruple amputee Karen Crespo to model her spring 2015 designs.

But she never forgot about Grace - or her mother's request.

When Miss Hammer asked Miss Driscoll to suggest a model, she immediately chose Miss Brewer.

The actress, who is best known for playing Addie in American Horror Story: Murder House, Nan in American Horror Story: Coven and Marjorie in American Horror Story: Freak Show, is also an activist for intellectual disabilities.