Agency refuses to let boy with Down syndrome model their clothes
A Mother’s Fight for Inclusivity: Asher’s Journey
In our evolving age of advertising and societal reflection, we have witnessed positive changes, including fashion labels featuring elderly models and a move away from retouching photos of models. Yet, there is still a long journey ahead towards true inclusivity.
Meagan Nash, a loving mother from Georgia, found herself at the heart of this struggle when she submitted photos of her 15-month-old son, Asher, to the children’s clothing company Oshkosh B’Gosh for a modeling opportunity.
Asher was a perfect fit for the company’s requirements in terms of height, hair color, and eye color. However, despite meeting these criteria, Meagan received no response from the company.
Determined to understand why her son was overlooked, Meagan contacted Oshkosh B’Gosh’s representatives, only to be told that they were not interested in using Asher because they did not want “a baby with special needs.”
Infuriated and frustrated by this response, Meagan decided to take action. She shared photos of her son in the “Kids with Down’s syndrome” Facebook group. The charming images, captured by photographer Crystal Barbee, featured Asher wearing a blue denim shirt and bow tie.
In her post, Meagan expressed her disappointment with the company’s decision and called for support: “Let’s make a difference – share so they see Asher! This handsome boy is ready to show the world what Changing the Face of Beauty is really about.”
The response was overwhelming. Asher’s photos received over 100,000 likes on Facebook, and Meagan clarified that it was an agency, not the clothing company itself, that had rejected her son.
Meagan’s message highlighted her collaboration with the “Changing the Face of Beauty” organization, aimed at encouraging Oshkosh B’Gosh to include Asher in their advertisements.
Asher’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in advertising and society at large. Meagan’s determination to challenge stereotypes and advocate for her son’s rightful place in the fashion industry is an inspiring example of a mother’s love and a call for change.
