Model with ‘Cat Eye Syndrome’ graces inspirational photo shoot
Seattle-based Caitin Stickels is defying our concept of mainstream beauty
PHOTO:INDEPENDENT
Meet Caitin Stickels, perhaps the world’s first model with ‘cat eye syndrome.’
Born with a rare chromosomal disorder, the Seattle-native has proudly defied the world’s concept of mainstream beauty, in a stunning new shoot with high-fashion photographer Nick Knight, reports The Independent.
Caitin has facial disfigurements due to her Schmid-Fraccaro or Cat Eye Syndrome, which causes holes in the structure of the eyes, thereby making them appear cat-like. Yet, the model – who was discovered by Nick via her Instagram account – has over 9,000 followers on the page.
Nick – who has previously worked with the likes of Kate Moss, Kanye West and Lady Gaga – was instantly drawn to Caitin’s looks, which define nearly everything the beauty industry stands for. A triumphant step in the direction of diversity, the shoot serves to challenge the fashion industry’s singular tradition when it comes to models that don’t meet a certain ‘type.’
Instead, the collaboration between Caitin and Nick celebrates individuality, whilst encouraging the world to have an open conversation about diversity. It draws inspiration from the works of artist Gustav Klimt and features Caitin posing in a series of captivating looks from fashion big weights like Lanvin, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, styled by Jacob K, in a spread for V Magazine.
Thrilled to have the honour of working on the publication, Caitin wrote about her experience. “Working with Nick Knight at SHOWstudio for V Magazine was something I couldn't have even dreamed of," she wrote. “It never was superficial to me and that's why, I have always admired Nick Knight and looked fondly upon magazines such as V because they aren't afraid to elevate their work and take it to the next level. I was content being small in my small world doing the art that I do. And they took me to Cloud 9 instead.”
In order to draw more people to the shoot, Caitin also did a Facebook livestream where viewers were able to watch as she modelled each look and described how this added to the honesty and vulnerability of the final images.
“Being on livestream was simultaneously nerve-racking and comforting,” she added. “It was fundamental to me when Nick asked if I was okay with it, because it goes along with why I model in the first place. There's absolutely nothing to hide — not even if you're afraid.”
9 beautiful pictures that express human emotions
Having said that, Caitin admitted that she never thought she’d become part of the industry, no matter how much she loves fashion. “I always admired it from afar and meanwhile tried to recreate my own expressions through fashion, photography, and art,” she stated. “This collaboration has been the most beautiful whirlwind of my life. I can't even tell you what this sensation means when dreams break the seams of what you thought was reality."
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Born with a rare chromosomal disorder, the Seattle-native has proudly defied the world’s concept of mainstream beauty, in a stunning new shoot with high-fashion photographer Nick Knight, reports The Independent.
Caitin has facial disfigurements due to her Schmid-Fraccaro or Cat Eye Syndrome, which causes holes in the structure of the eyes, thereby making them appear cat-like. Yet, the model – who was discovered by Nick via her Instagram account – has over 9,000 followers on the page.
Nick – who has previously worked with the likes of Kate Moss, Kanye West and Lady Gaga – was instantly drawn to Caitin’s looks, which define nearly everything the beauty industry stands for. A triumphant step in the direction of diversity, the shoot serves to challenge the fashion industry’s singular tradition when it comes to models that don’t meet a certain ‘type.’
Instead, the collaboration between Caitin and Nick celebrates individuality, whilst encouraging the world to have an open conversation about diversity. It draws inspiration from the works of artist Gustav Klimt and features Caitin posing in a series of captivating looks from fashion big weights like Lanvin, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, styled by Jacob K, in a spread for V Magazine.
Thrilled to have the honour of working on the publication, Caitin wrote about her experience. “Working with Nick Knight at SHOWstudio for V Magazine was something I couldn't have even dreamed of," she wrote. “It never was superficial to me and that's why, I have always admired Nick Knight and looked fondly upon magazines such as V because they aren't afraid to elevate their work and take it to the next level. I was content being small in my small world doing the art that I do. And they took me to Cloud 9 instead.”
In order to draw more people to the shoot, Caitin also did a Facebook livestream where viewers were able to watch as she modelled each look and described how this added to the honesty and vulnerability of the final images.
“Being on livestream was simultaneously nerve-racking and comforting,” she added. “It was fundamental to me when Nick asked if I was okay with it, because it goes along with why I model in the first place. There's absolutely nothing to hide — not even if you're afraid.”
9 beautiful pictures that express human emotions
Having said that, Caitin admitted that she never thought she’d become part of the industry, no matter how much she loves fashion. “I always admired it from afar and meanwhile tried to recreate my own expressions through fashion, photography, and art,” she stated. “This collaboration has been the most beautiful whirlwind of my life. I can't even tell you what this sensation means when dreams break the seams of what you thought was reality."
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.