JoJo Maman Bébé Autumn Catalogue features models with Down's syndrome

Friday, 03 August 2012

Mother and Baby specialist JoJo Maman Bébé is helping to raise awareness for children and adults with Down's syndrome with help from two gorgeously vivacious little children. Five-year-old Natty Goleniowska and Four-year-old Sebastian White, who both have Down's syndrome, have modelled for the company's Autumn Winter collection, due in stores this August. 

Laura Tenison, founder and managing director of JoJo said.

 "Modelling days with babies and toddlers is always a huge amount of fun whilst being a little bit chaotic and extremely busy. Having Natty and Seb amongst the models only added to the joy of getting great images for the catalogue while ensuring the children and their parents have a really fun new experience. "

JoJo Maman Bébé is a proud supporter of the Down's Syndrome Association supporting their WorkFit scheme by offering work placements to adults in stores and head office, where suitable.

Veronica Mulenga, Down's Syndrome Association Employment Officer said.

 "We are delighted to be working with JoJo Maman Bébé, the support they have given to our WorkFit programme has been outstanding.  Now to be including two children with Down's syndrome in their Autumn catalogue is further evidence of their strong commitment to make sure that we see people first and not just the syndrome.  Natty and Seb are included because they are beautiful children who just happen to have Down's syndrome. The continued support of professional companies like JoJo Maman Bébé means that we can continue our work in ensuring people with Down's syndrome can live the full and meaningful lives they want and deserve".

  Natty's mother Hayley Goleniowska has been campaigning through her blog 'Down's Side Up' to inspire new parents of children with Down's syndrome. She states,  "Most things are possible for our children and Down's syndrome is truly wonderful".

Sebastian's mother Caroline White is also positive that the appearance of her son and Natty in the JoJo catalogue can help to promote an optimistic image.

"If it helps one new parent feel less scared than I did when Seb was born, then we have achieved something really positive. To see a child with Down's syndrome in such a high profile catalogue as JoJo, wearing beautiful clothes is a massive step forward to raising awareness and a huge opportunity to get the message across that different isn't any less wonderful."