Every time 21-year-old Costa steps onto a runway, she sends a powerful message about disabilities and body acceptance.
Known on social media as Paola Antonini, the model has gained fame for her body positivity despite having her leg amputated in a horrific car accident just over a year ago.
With an Instagram following of over 600,000, Costa has proven that an acquired disability does not spell the end of a career.
“I want to be a model for other amputees,” she said in an article translated by The Daily Mail.
The model lost her leg in an accident in 2014. Costa was preparing to travel to the coast of Brazil with her boyfriend when she was hit by a drunk driver.
Her leg was crushed in the accident and Costa received an initial amputation below the knee. In conversation with Brazilian site Veja BH, she spoke about the intensity of the pain.
Although Costa began recovery, complications led to her leg being amputated fully. The model bravely decided not to hide her prosthesis from anyone and now proudly documents a life full of adventures on Instagram.
She is a favourite on the runway in Brazil, much to the joy of her thousands of Instagram followers.
image via Instagram
