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Jessica Biel has made a rare runway appearance with her children.
The 42-year-old 7th Heaven star stepped out on the catwalk for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on November 16. Only she wasn’t alone; she was joined by her two sons – Silas, nine, and Phineas, four – whom she shares with her husband of 12 years, Justin Timberlake.
Biel’s five-year-old niece Zaya, who was being celebrated at the event, led them down the runway in front of the cheering crowd. Zaya, the daughter of Biel’s brother Justin and his wife Rose, has Down syndrome, a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Children and adults with Down syndrome often experience physical and emotional developmental challenges such as speech impairments.
The Biel-Timberlake family stunned at the show, donning an array of elegant ensembles. For her part, the Total Recall star wore a chic black gown embellished with black fringe that wrapped around the top half the dress like a thick shawl.
Silas walked in a white collared shirt, a navy blazer, and khakis, while his brother wore a white T-shirt, suspenders, and khakis with brown fabric patches. Their cousin dazzled in a white tulle dress with delicate beading and a pink ribbon around her waist.
Biel commemorated the special occasion with a heartwarming post on Instagram. She posted a carousel of images from the night, on and off the runway, including pictures of herself with Zaya.
“Last night was truly special at the #BeBeautifulBeYourself fashion show. Walking the runway with my amazing niece @lovelyzayab was an unforgettable honor,” her caption read. “Huge thanks to the @globaldownsyndrome foundation for creating such a profound, empowering event and for all the incredible work you do. My heart is so full.”
The Hollywood star’s followers rushed to her comments section to express their admiration, thanking her for raising awareness for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s community.
One fan said: “Thank you for supporting our incredible community in this way.”
“YOU! Just you… are amazing! I had the pleasure of watching your husband put on an AMAZING show last night in Atlanta and seeing what you were doing simultaneously,” a touched woman added. “Fills my heart with joy!! Love you two and your beautiful life and family you have created!”