Diamonds Are Forever: An Ode To Trailblazing Influencer And Model Mama Cax As She Transitions To Glory

A fashion and pop culture writer who watches a lot…
Born Cacsmy Beutus, Mama Cax until her passing was one of the most recognizable faces in the global influencer community. The Haitian-American creative, model, and advocate was known for her commitment to helping make the fashion industry more inclusive for differently abled women and women of color.
Sometime this month, while in London for a photoshoot, Mama Cax discovered blood clots in her leg, thigh, abdomen, and around a medical filter near her lungs that was implanted when she first battled cancer in her teens. According to a post made on her Instagram, she spent a week in the hospital, battling the illness before passing unto glory on Monday, December 16, 2019.
The 30 year old influencer was first diagnosed with bone and lung cancer at the age of 14; two years later, she underwent hip replacement surgery that was unsuccessful, requiring that Cax have her right leg amputated.
But Cax’s disability didn’t slow down her modeling career. Despite the fashion industry’s well known reluctance to embrace people who didn’t fit the industry’s standard statistics, Mama Cax created a niche for her and soon became a force to reckon with. Her model and influencer career were as dazzling and as beautiful as the designs that frequently appeared on her prosthetic leg.
Among many other achievements, she was the face of Refinery29’s Take Back The Beach editorial in 2016. In 2017 after landing a Wet ‘n’ Wild beauty campaign, she signed with Jag Models; later booking ads with Becca Cosmetics and Olay. Mama Cax went on to model for major brands like Tommy Hilfiger and ASOS, and in 2018, she landed a Teen Vogue cover. Her career progression also saw her strutting the catwalk for brands like Chromat.
As an outspoken advocate for fashion inclusivity, Cax was also cast in Rihanna’s most recent Savage x Fenty runway show in September — and fittingly, the Fenty mogul was among the first stars to express their condolences upon learning of the model’s passing.
“A queen. A force. A powerhouse beauty that brought her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe. Rest In Power sis,” Rihanna tweeted.
Cax brought a unique perspective to body positivity that challenged the way the movement had been perceived by the general population. Her fearless, expressive and experimental style which she shared with and without her prosthetic helped normalize the idea that beauty is not restricted to only “able-bodied” people.
Mama Cax will be missed dearly by the fashion industry and people around the world who she inspired daily with her story and aura. We mourn her loss and pray for comfort for her family and loved ones.
Check out some of her inspirational styles below…
Photo credit: Instagram | mamacax
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A fashion and pop culture writer who watches a lot of TV in his spare time. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥