Annabel Kiki: on redefining what it means to be an amputee model within the fashion industry

By Lydia Lawrence

As a little girl, Annabel always dreamed of walking down the catwalk, she would often daydream of feeling her most confident and strongest self, surrounded by everything that she loves; fashion and style.

As Annabel grew up, her dream faded and became overshadowed by other responsibilities. At only 13 years old everything changed, she found out she developed a bone tumor also known as osteochondroma.

Following on from this, she started chemotherapy for a cancer tumor and had a prosthetic leg fitted. Then Overnight, her whole life changed. She no longer felt excited about modelling as she once did, and fear took over her life. The fear of being labelled outside of what was considered to be the modern standards of beauty.

Yet unexpectedly, opportunities that she never even dreamt of came knocking at her door. Inclusive modelling agencies such as Zebedee work hard to recruit people of all disabilities and visible differences which Annabel was the most grateful for when they asked to recruit her . This is when she began to build up her confidence again and audiences applauded her for it; she featured in the 2023 Eurovision contest and is currently working with names like Coco Rocha in New York and all whilst having featured in ELLE magazine.

One moment Annabel is particularly proud of is her first runway experience in the Birmingham fashion week show, she worked with the local Birmingham fashion council to walk several looks created by local and sustainable brands.

She described her experience perfectly; “When I was on that runway, I was just ready to go; being an amputee model gives me a leeway to break into the industry it gives me something unique and different to showcase and anyone else in a similar situation should be proud to have something so special.”

Birmingham fashion week 2024 — Annabel Kiki wearing @roesquedesign

Still now at 16, her career isn’t without any struggles and hardships. With her prosthetic leg, she has practical difficulties that creates sizing problems. As she particularly finds it difficult to fit specific shoes and clothing to her needs. “My prosthetic foot is made of metal, which with high heels is a massive struggle. My foot can only extend a few centimeters, but I can’t let it deter me from my goals and ambitions, prosthetic technology will improve so for now I won’t let it stop me from achieving what I set out to achieve”

Her determination to succeed has become an inspiration for future generations to challenge traditional beauty standards within the modelling and fashion industries. Her mantra; “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become” shows just how powerful her story has become. It’s clear she is a leading figure for younger girls, amputees, and models alike.

See more of Annabels story over on her website here.

and follow her instagram @annabelkiki