Paris photographer shoots women with Down syndrome. And it's beautiful

What are the parameters that define beauty? You would say it's subjective or that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Yet, we hardly see cosmetic companies, or even magazines for that matter, defying the norms. In a way, we all are a slave to the stereotypes.

In a bid to challenge the interpretation of beauty, Paris-based photographer Sanjyot Telang did a fashion photo shoot with women suffering from Down syndrome.

Telang collaborated with an NGO called Kimkan on the project, which was tilted--Fashion Misfits. The purpose was to capture the innate beauty of women, regardless of the standards set by the society. During the shoot, the women were made to dress in various costumes, and the result is undoubtedly beautiful.

In an interview to BuzzFeed, the photographer revealed what inspired her to chose the project. "I feel [people with special needs] have been an ignored part of our society for the longest time," she said.

"There is a need to explore the versatile interpretations of beauty and be more accepting to all kinds of people," Telang further added.

A photo posted by Sanjyot Telang (@sanjyottelang) on Jan 13, 2017 at 1:54am PST

Unfortunately, as a society we are pretty stringent when it comes to standards of beauty. Let's be honest, a model who boasts of a porcelain complexion, an hourglass figure, and chiseled features is a poster-girl for most companies.

However, Telang wishes to bring forth a paradigm shift with the photo shoot. "With the help of this project, I'd like to create a space in the fashion and advertising industry, ultimately to open channels catering to [people with special needs] as well, so that they can find a way to fashionably express themselves and become role models to our society too," said Telang.

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When asked how her experience was while working on the project, she said, "Contrary to the belief, it was absolutely easy working with these girls since they were as natural and nonchalant as professional models in front of the camera."

A photo posted by Sanjyot Telang (@sanjyottelang) on Jan 13, 2017 at 1:53am PST

Well, here's hoping we get to see more norm-defying movements in the coming future.