Fashion Editorial | Embracing Uniqueness

This editorial is a powerful narrative of empowerment, self-acceptance, and societal growth, helping you understand how to support and respect those with disabilities and visible differences genuinely. Including direct quotes from the models, we find to strengthens the impact, making this editorial a meaningful call for diversity and inspiration.

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fashion editorial about the beauty of albinism

Liam Gant

Hi my name is Liam Gant, I was born with Albinism and I am also partially sighted. I have a passion for modelling and also Acting. I believe there is a lack of understanding when it comes to disabilities. Even though I am aware I look different to other people I still try to continue with my daily life as anyone else would. I truly feel accepted and included when strangers are not afraid to help me with things through my day, wether that is with shopping or simple things such as directions. I also think having supportive and understanding friends around me is a huge help.

I feel more accepted when it is not made into a big deal. Especially as a teenager, I often find myself being spoken down to by people, especially people who are older than me who are unaware of the challenges that I face in my day to day life. It is frustrating the lack of education people have that causes me to feel isolated and sometimes embarrassed. But all this said, I would not change me for the world.

“I would not change me for the world” – Liam Gant.

Shirt by GEORDIE CAMPBELL. Tie by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD.

Fashion editorial about the beauty of amputee models

Monty Merchie

My name is Monty Merchie, I’m a music producer and model, as well as a farmer and hotelier among other things! What makes me special? Simply being me. I’m half French; I speak four languages – having grown up in Venice; I was a cathedral chorister at the age of eight – I could go on, but I won’t!

A common attitude is to assume that a person with a visible difference or disability needs help, often without asking –which is something I have heard/experienced quite a bit. I usually wear a blade so I definitely don’t hide my disability; I’d say I feel accepted when adults let their children ask me questions rather than treating it like a taboo. When it’s appropriate it can feel respectful if people aren’t afraid to acknowledge my leg in a straightforward way; it shows they’re comfortable and open to addressing practical needs. On the flip side, comments like “you’re so inspiring” although well intentioned, can be uncomfortable. Also asking too many probing questions about my disability can feel intrusive. Generally, though, I’m pretty unfazed. I like that quote: “Never attribute to malice what you can attribute to incompetence… our lives are just as complex as everyone else’s.”

“I feel accepted when adults let their children ask me questions rather than treating it like a taboo” – Monty Merchie.

Fashion editorial about the beauty of Vitiligo

Devon Junior

My name is Devon Junior. Music is my passion and I am currently running my own little studio space. The thing that is obviously unique about me is my vitiligo. Being scouted to become a model with Zebedee is a time I truly felt accepted. I got to meet other models with my condition that are really confident in themselves and it made me realise I’m not alone, it also made me feel like my condition is something special rather than being something I should be ashamed of.

I would say that more inclusivity in children’s programs is something that needs to be improved upon more, this would help children to understand my condition and not stare at me as much in public. Something that can be frustrating to deal with sometimes is meeting someone for the first time and then they refer to me as looking like an animal like calling me a zebra. When I hardly know a person it can be offending because I feel like they are mocking me. My partner may refer to me as a panda at times, but because she has made me feel safe in my skin it actually makes me feel special and unique when I hear it from her because I know she finds me attractive and it is not meant in a bad way at all. Other than that I think society has started to accept people with my condition a lot more and I feel a lot more confident in myself compared to when I was a child.

“More inclusivity in children’s programs is something that needs to be improved upon more. This would help children to understand my condition and not stare at me as much in public.” – Devon Junior.

Fashion editorial about the beauty of Tourettes Syndrome

Felix Armitage Bruno Sanderson

My name is Felix Armitage Bruno Sanderson. I’m passionate about being the best version of myself in order to help others realise their potential. My uniqueness is my old soul, it’s not just my condition that defines me.

The only time I feel truly accepted and included is when I’m surrounded by people who know me inside and out and are able to grasp an understanding of how different my life is to theirs. Only from this special perspective can the world accept and understand the chasm of difference that exists. If we could just grow and improve awareness to niche conditions, even a tiny bit, then the lives of those affected could be more peaceful.

In terms of feeling respected and supported by others, it’s so great when people have questions that are not atypical or revert to the stereotypical expectation. It’s so refreshing when people are genuinely inquisitive and heartfelt. Things that frustrate me from others are the usual things, provocative remarks, asking about swearing, making jokes about tourettes that belong in the 1970’s, people making dull comments with the intent to hurt my feelings. I have no control over some of the things I say and do, whereas others do have the control but choose not to exercise it.

“I’m passionate about being the best version of myself in order to help others realise their potential (…) I have no control over some of the things I say and do, whereas others do have the control but choose not to exercise it.” – Felix Armitage Bruno Sanderson.

model with vitiligo — Vest by WHAT MEG KNITS

CREDITS

Photography: DAN CLARKE

Styling: LIVI RENNIE

Models: MONTY MERCHIE, DEVON JUNIOR, LIAM GANT & FELIX SANDERSON @ ZEBEDEE TALENT

MUA/Grooming: SAMANTHA LYANN