I first saw Melanie Gaydos in the sci-fi Vesper (2022), where she plays a doomed 'jug' (genetically engineered human slave). After a swift google, I discovered she is a highly successful model with the condition ectodermal dysplasia (ED).
ED is a heritable genetic disorder which affects the development of various ectodermal structures (including skin, teeth, hair, nails, exocrine and sebaceous glands). There are at least 177 Mendelian presentations of ED. The condition was medically described as far back as 1792, and we know Charles Darwin was made aware of a case of 10 Hindu relatives with ED, by means of an 1838 letter from David Wedderburn (a humble disciple of Darwinism). With so many clinical presentations, it could make diagnosis difficult and since baldness and hypohidrosis (absence of sweating) are sometimes implicated, it does make you wonder about Prince Andrew doesn't it.
For more on ED see: Deshmukh, S., & Prashanth, S. (2012). Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Genetic Review. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 5 (3), 197.
As far as Melanie Gaydos goes, she has tenaciously challenged modelling orthodoxy with incredible bravery and style. She possesses an otherworldly allure which has spawned a number of unique creative projects which perhaps only she could inspire. I include some samples of her work below.
