Mullins was born without her outer shinbones and had both legs amputated below the knee; doctors said she might never walk.

But she competed at the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, in the 100 metres and long jump, wearing one of the first pairs of Cheetah legs, the type now worn by Oscar Pistorius.

She is, however, better known as a model, having worked with Alexander McQueen, and was last year made a L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador, alongside Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani.

The 36-year-old from Allentown, Pennsylvania, named among the world's 50 most beautiful women, as had the new Theyskens' Theory Aimee bag named in her honour.


"Aimee and the bag share the same qualities: strong yet soft, sophisticated and cool, smart and refined," said Theyskens.

"I gave this bag her name as it came naturally to my mind.

"She is an inspiration always, and I cherish our friendship."

The Aimee leather purse, available in light gray and black, is priced from $695 (£442/€509) and is due to go on sale in top store Theory later this month.

"It's the perfect day-to-cocktail bag for the girls," said Theyskens.

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