Winnie Harlow: From America’s Next Top Model to Global Fashion Icon and Vitiligo Advocate

Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, known professionally as Winnie Harlow, is a Canadian fashion model and public spokesperson who has redefined beauty standards in the fashion industry. Born on July 27, 1994, in the Greater Toronto Area, Harlow has become a global icon for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to advocate for individuals with vitiligo, a chronic skin condition she has lived with since the age of four.

Early Life and Struggles.

Harlow’s journey to success was not without challenges. Diagnosed with vitiligo at a young age, she faced relentless bullying throughout her childhood, enduring cruel nicknames like "cow" and "zebra." The emotional toll led her to change schools multiple times and eventually drop out of high school. At one point, she even contemplated suicide. However, Harlow’s resilience and determination to embrace her unique beauty would later become her greatest strength.

Rise to Fame.

Harlow’s big break came in 2014 when she was discovered by Tyra Banks on Instagram and cast as a contestant on the 21st cycle of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). Although she was eliminated twice during the competition, her striking appearance and confidence made her a fan favorite. Following her time on ANTM, Harlow’s career skyrocketed.

She became the official brand representative for Desigual and walked for Ashish at London Fashion Week. Harlow also modeled for high-profile campaigns with Diesel, Swarovski, and Sprite, and graced the covers of magazines like Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and Complex. In 2018, she made history as the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Advocacy and Public Speaking.

Harlow has used her platform to raise awareness about vitiligo and challenge societal beauty norms. In 2011, she posted a YouTube video titled "Vitiligo: A Skin Condition, not a Life Changer", sharing her experiences and answering questions about living with the condition. She further amplified her message through a TEDx talk in 2014, where she spoke about self-acceptance and resilience.

Her advocacy earned her the ‘Role Model’ award at the 2015 Portuguese GQ Men of the Year event, and she was honored as one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2018.

Beyond Modeling.

Harlow’s influence extends beyond the runway. She has appeared in music videos for artists like Eminem, Calvin Harris, and Beyoncé, including a cameo in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade. In 2022, she launched her own skincare and sun care brand, Cay Skin, inspired by her personal experiences with sunburns during photoshoots.

A Symbol of Resilience and Inclusion.

Winnie Harlow’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and perseverance. From overcoming childhood bullying to becoming a global fashion icon, she has redefined beauty standards and inspired millions worldwide. Her work as a model, advocate, and entrepreneur continues to pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry and beyond.

Winnie Harlow is more than a model—she is a symbol of resilience, diversity, and empowerment. By embracing her uniqueness and using her voice to advocate for others, she has become a role model for individuals around the world. Whether on the runway, in front of the camera, or behind her skincare brand, Harlow’s impact is undeniable.