Ellie Jade Goldstein

Summary

Ellie Jade Goldstein (born 18 December 2001) is a British model, actress and advocate. She is recognised for being the first model with Down syndrome to feature in major luxury‑beauty campaigns and to appear on the cover of a leading fashion magazine. Her work has helped shift norms around disability and representation in fashion and media.

Biography

Ellie Jade Goldstein was born on 18 December 2001 in Ilford, London, England. She was born with Down syndrome and underwent significant medical treatment as an infant, including heart surgery at five months old. From a young age, she displayed determination and interest in performance and arts, despite early medical challenges and modest prognoses. Growing up, Ellie attended school before pursuing performing arts studies at the New City College Redbridge Campus. She took part in school plays and developed a love for acting, dancing and modelling from her early teens. Her early engagement with the performing arts laid a foundation for her later career in modelling and television.

At around 15 years old, Ellie joined the UK agency Zebedee Management (specialising in models with disabilities) and began working professionally as a model. Her early assignments included commercial work and smaller campaigns, but her major breakthrough came when she was selected for a campaign by Gucci Beauty, as part of a Vogue Italia “Unconventional Beauty” initiative. Ellie’s involvement with Gucci Beauty marked a watershed moment: she became one of the first models with Down syndrome to feature in such a high‑profile luxury beauty campaign.

In May 2023, she also became the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of a major magazine, British Vogue. These milestones brought her into the spotlight as both a talent and a symbol of inclusion. Ellie has also diversified into acting and television appearances. She has appeared in TV programmes and media projects, and in 2025 she made her debut in a television role in the series Malory Towers as Nancy Maher. She is also set to appear in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Throughout her career, Ellie has used her platform to advocate for disability representation, inclusion in fashion, and broader social acceptance of people with learning disabilities. She often speaks about the importance of visibility and about not letting others’ expectations define what one can achieve. Per BoF: “The 20-year-old has gone on to be featured on the covers of magazines including Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Europhia. She’s been shot in campaigns for Primark, Laura Mercier and Nike and named an ambassador for Adidas.”

Ellie’s personal life remains grounded: she frequently attributes her achievements to the support of her family and her own determination. She has spoken of her passion for dancing, fashion and performance. While she enjoys life in London and the work she does, she appears focused on the next steps in her career and on expanding her influence as a role model. Given her trajectory, Ellie is likely to continue breaking barriers in modelling, acting and beyond. Her ambitions include modelling on major international runways, exploring further television and film work, and continuing to influence industry norms around diversity and inclusivity.

Recognition

Ellie jade Goldstein is the first model with Down syndrome to feature in a major luxury beauty campaign (Gucci Beauty), the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue and named in the Business of Fashion “BoF 500” list of people shaping the global fashion industry. She has become a widely cited figure in media stories about representation, diversity and inclusion in fashion and entertainment. Her story referenced in educational settings as an example of overcoming barriers – for example by her former college.

References

•  “A nurse suggested I abandon my Down’s syndrome baby – but we’ve had a life of joy with Ellie”. i. 
• “An 18-year-old Jewish model with Down syndrome – Gucci’s latest superstar”. The Jerusalem Post. 
• “Ellie Goldstein, the breakout star of Gucci Beauty, on why we need to see more models with disabilities in campaigns”. Vogue India.
• “Vogue model Ellie Goldstein: ‘Doctors said I wouldn’t walk or talk'”. BBC News. 
• “Ellie Goldstein”. zebedee.
• “Teen model with Down syndrome gets world’s attention as one of new faces for Gucci Beauty”. iol.co.za. 
• “Model with Down’s syndrome becomes first to pose for Gucci Beauty”. Her.ie. 
• “Teen model with Down syndrome featured in new Gucci ad campaign”. TODAY.com. 
• “Gucci Beauty’s Campaign Featuring Model with Down Syndrome Celebrates Diversity”. Vogue Arabia. 
• “18-Year-Old Model with Down Syndrome Featured in Gucci Beauty Editorial: ‘I Feel So Lucky'”. PEOPLE
• “Teen model with Down syndrome stars in Gucci Beauty campaign”. Good Morning America. 
•  “Gucci commits to diversity and chooses Ellie Goldstein, a model with Trisomy 21 syndrome, for its new beauty campaign – Luxus Plus”. luxus-plus.com
•  “Ellie Goldstein’s new book has a powerful message about love and heartbreak”. Glamour UK. 
•  “Who is Ellie Goldstein? Great Celebrity Bake Off 2025 contestant”. Radio Times
• “Ellie Goldstein makes acting debut in iconic drama Malory Towers”. 
• “Model and actress Ellie Goldstein to make Strictly history”. BBC News
•  “Embracing Diversity: Ellie Goldstein”. Kinderkey. 
• “Ellie Goldstein is the ninth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025”. BBC Media Centre.