Sofia Jirau
(Photo : Twitter)

New York Fashion Week is now becoming more diverse. They did not just showcase glamorous dresses designed by well-known fashion designers and worn by beautiful models. But this time, they also showcased a beautiful 22-year-old Puerto Rican woman with Down Syndrome.

Traditionally, a modeling agency has a certain set of standards before they let their models ramp on the stage and wear a designer's dress. There is always a beauty and body image standard set not only by the modeling agency, but also by the host organization or group who organized the fashion show.

During this year's New York Fashion Week, everyone was stunned when Sofia Jirau, a Puerto Rican with Down Syndrome, ramped on the stage and wore a dress designed by a well-known fashion designer. In an article published in Remezcla, Jirau shared that at the age of five she knew that she wanted to be a model and an entrepreneur. 

In an interview with her in her home in San Juan, she said that she will be going around the world with no fear and limits both inside and outside. "I'm not scared of anything, eso se va pa' la calle," Jirau said.

Sofia Jirau is fairly new to the modeling industry. She joined the INprende Agency in 2019, an agency that aims to help discover the talents of persons with conditions like Sofia Jirau, and this where she began to learn about modeling. 

She had worked with well-known designers, like Kelvin Giovannie, before she landed the work with Marisa Santiago at the recent fashion show. During an interview with a local news outlet, she said: "One day I looked in the mirror and said, 'I'm going to be a model and I'm going to get to New York' and look, here I am. I made it and now I want to model worldwide!" She also said that this is an incredible experience for her. 

During the New York York Fashion Week, she became the highlight of the show as she received applaud and ovations from the audience.

One of the reasons why she exhibits such confidence in modeling even though she has Down Syndrome is because of the support that she has received from her family. Jirau posted a picture on her social media account with her whole family and the caption, "I love you a lot, they are always in my heart," and she thanked them for joining her in New York. 

There is no doubt that this is just the beginning of Sofia Jirau's journey in modeling and there will be a lot of projects that are waiting for her. At present, there are already several brands who tapped her for partnerships and shows in Puerto Rico. With the beauty and confidence that she has, there is no doubt that she can make it as one of the most celebrated models someday.

However, she also shared that her journey in the industry has not been easy. When she was asked about the challenges and difficulties she encountered, she answered in on another way around. She instead said that it's every time she is infront of the mirror she gets her strength. This is also where she gets her inspiration. Jirau just shows to us that nothing is impossible in achieving dreams if there is confidence, strength, and inspiration.

Meanwhile, one of the volunteers who worked with Sofia Jirau, Armando Lorenzo, said that the Puerto Rican model doesn't know challenges and limits. As Sofia Jirau mentioned in her previous interviews, she draws her strength from her supportive family. It is not surprising as to how she can do anything she wants and will achieve her dream.

Lorenzo said: "She sees everything as an opportunity to show she has [what it takes]... She doesn't know how to answer that because we try to keep those words out of her vocabulary so she understands she's able to achieve everything she sets her mind to... as she has up until now." 

Sofia Jirau also got help from Benjamin Diaz, who is also a well-known trainer. He has assisted Miss Puerto Rico contestants, and is training her on how to get it right on the runway.