Model With Prosthetic Leg Lands Athleisure Campaign
Lauren Wasser hasn’t let an amputation slow her down. The model, who lost her right leg in 2012 from toxic shock syndrome complications allegedly caused by a tampon, booked her first major campaign since the surgery. “Super stoked to see this out,” the 27-year=old wrote on Instagram. “Huge moment for me [and photographer girlfriend Jennifer Rovero.”
Appearing in Nordstrom’s holiday catalog, the 5′11″ beauty showed off the latest athleisure offerings wearing a half-zip pullover, cropped leggings that show off her gold prosthetic, black Nike sneakers, and a pink slouchy knit hat. Wasser, who recently gained a lot of attention for recreating Interview’s controversial Kylie Jenner shoot, also shared a close-up of her legs with the caption, “The ?? leg killing it ??.”
“Nordstrom has had a long history of incorporating diverse models into our catalogs, including those with disabilities (back to 1991),” a spokesperson for the retailer said. “We always want to do our best to reflect the diverse customers and communities we serve.”
In addition to her modeling work, Wasser hopes to raise awareness surrounding TSS and the potential dangers of using tampons (she’s currently engaged in a legal battle with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the company that makes Kotex Natural Balance tampons). "I had to come out with my story because I needed to share what was happening and speak for all those little girls who have lost their lives,“ Wasser told VICE. "I stand not just for a disability but I stand for women and women’s rights.”
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.