12/23/2025
In July 2023, Tamera McLaughlin made history as the first model with dwarfism to walk the runway at Miami Swim Week. According to Yahoo Life, the 25 year old model, who has achondroplasia, debuted with Naava Swim during the event organized by Art Hearts Fashion. She described the experience as both liberating and nerve wracking, exIn July 2023, Tamera McLaughlin made history as the first model with dwarfism to walk the runway at Miami Swim Week. According to Yahoo Life, the 25 year old model, who has achondroplasia, debuted with Naava Swim during the event organized by Art Hearts Fashion. She described the experience as both liberating and nerve wracking, explaining that she wanted to create change and prove that modeling should not be limited by height or appearance.
According to La Voce di New York, McLaughlin’s participation marked a milestone for inclusivity in the swimsuit modeling industry, which has traditionally favored tall models. She emphasized that her goal was to show that anyone can be a model by embracing who they are. Her presence on the runway challenged stereotypes and opened doors for greater diversity in fashionplaining that she wanted to create change and prove that modeling should not be limited by height or appearance.
According to La Voce di New York, McLaughlin’s participation marked a milestone for inclusivity in the swimsuit modeling industry, which has traditionally favored tall models. She emphasized that her goal was to show that anyone can be a model by embracing who they are. Her presence on the runway challenged stereotypes and opened doors for greater diversity in fashion .
