The always stylish Jillian Mercado, a model and disability activist has signed to IMG, one of the world’s largest modelling agencies, alongside catwalk superstars like Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid .
Anyone that has seen Mercado’s fierce sense of style on social media would know this is a woman headed for success. Although Mercado, who has spastic muscular dystrophy was modest about the “mind-blowing sandwich” she appears in on their books (see below) it’s no surprise that she is so sought after.
The 28-year-old fashion blogger never believed this could be an option for her, as she’d never seen anyone in a wheelchair like herself modelling. The momentum leading up to her signing with IMG includes although previously modelling for a Nordstrom catalog and Unique Vintage’s recent #IAmUnique campaign.
The fashionista wrote on her Instagram, “Life works in the most magical ways. I am so honored to announce that I am now represented by @imgmodels!!! I can’t even begin to describe this feeling. Anything in life is possible if you only believe in it hard enough. So never ever even if it feels impossible give up on your dreams because maybe, just maybe they will come true.”
Nicola Formichetti, fashion director for Diesel was a kind of fairy Godfather for Mercado, noticing her attending parties and events and eventually putting her in his Spring 2014 campaign.
“You all have no idea how speechless I am right now. That’s me and James Astronaut!! for the Spring/Summer Diesel Campaign. My very first international campaign image for Diesel.” Mercado wrote on her blog.
Mercado has stated that she works just as hard as everyone else and importantly that her passion is equal to everyones – she just has a chair that moves.
