Latina with Down Syndrome Graces Cover of Catalog Fox News Latino
go to original July 26, 2012

A 10-month-old Latina with Down syndrome is the new face of a children clothing line by Spanish designer Dolores Cortés.

Valentina Guerrero, who is from Miami and already has a Twitter account, will grace the cover of DC Kids Summer 2013 catalog. The adorable girl, with big blue eyes and an infectious smile, is wearing a pink floral bathing suit and light pink bow for her magazine cover debut.

Valentina will also appear in other sections of the catalog.

“People with Down syndrome are just as beautiful and deserve the same opportunities,” Cortés told AdWeek. “I’m thrilled to have Valentina modeling for us.”

Valentina mother, Cecilia Elizalde, told the New York Daily News that having her daughter have such a prominent role in the fashion world sends a positive message. Elizalde, a TV host and co- producer of NOTA MUSICAL, told the paper she’s proud of what her young daughter has achieved.

 "I am very happy that DC Kids USA chose Valentina as their main model because this carries a clear message of inclusion and starts changing the old perception of Down syndrome,” she told the Daily News. “Thus generating a much needed transformation in society."

Cortés said she would donate 10 percent of the proceeds to Down Syndrome Association of Miami.

Elizalde said even though her daughter was born less than a year ago, she’s already learned so much from her.

“She’s taught us far more than we could ever teach her,” she told Vanity Fair Italy.

Vanity Fair said it’s the first time a person with Down syndrome is the face of a major brand and a well-known designer. Last year, big box store Target received accolades for featuring a boy with Down syndrome in its ad campaign.

Cortés, who presented at last week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013 in Miami, is a noted swim wear designer well-respected in her native country, Spain.

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