Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow Biography

Winnie Harlow, born Chantelle Brown-Young on July 27, 1994, is a Canadian fashion model and a public spokesperson known for her prominent skin condition vitiligo. She rose to fame as a contestant on the 21st cycle of the U.S. television series America's Next Top Model in 2014. Winnie is renowned for challenging conventional beauty standards and becoming an inspiration and symbol of diversity in the fashion industry.

Childhood

Winnie Harlow was born in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, to Jamaican-Canadian parents Lisa Brown and Windsor Young. She has two sisters and was diagnosed with the skin condition vitiligo at the age of four, which causes depigmentation in parts of the skin. During her childhood, Winnie faced significant bullying and verbal harassment from peers due to her skin condition, causing her to change schools several times and even drop out of high school at one point.

Education

Winnie attended Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School in Canada for her early education. Although she faced challenges in high school, particularly with bullying, she later pursued college education locally, where she graduated. Despite difficulties, Winnie nurtured a strong passion for modeling and extracurricular activities, which she prioritized over formal studies.

Career

Winnie Harlow's modeling career began when she was discovered by Tyra Banks through Instagram, leading to her participation in America's Next Top Model in 2014. Despite being eliminated early, she was voted back through a comeback series, finishing ninth overall. Following the show, she became the official brand representative for the Spanish clothing brand Desigual and walked in London Fashion Week for Ashish. Winnie has since worked with top fashion brands such as Diesel, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, Nike, Puma, and Victoria’s Secret, where she became the first model with vitiligo to walk their fashion show in 2018. She has also appeared in various magazines including Vogue Italia, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Ebony. Additionally, Winnie ventured into acting, voicing a lead role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe animated series Eyes of Wakanda.

Family Life

Winnie Harlow is the daughter of Windsor Young and Lisa Brown and has two sisters. As of 2024, she is in a relationship with NBA player Kyle Kuzma. Previously, she has been linked with public figures such as Maluma, Wiz Khalifa, and Lewis Hamilton. Winnie remains unmarried and does not have children.

Achievements

Winnie Harlow's achievements are significant in both fashion and advocacy. She was named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2018 and broke barriers as the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her career includes major campaigns for globally recognized brands and appearances in high-profile music videos. Winnie is celebrated for redefining beauty standards and promoting self-acceptance worldwide. Her influence extends beyond modeling into activism and public speaking.

Controversies

Winnie Harlow's career has been largely free of major controversies. However, she has openly discussed the challenges she faced from bullying and discrimination due to her skin condition, which she has turned into a platform for awareness and advocacy. She uses her visibility to promote diversity and challenge traditional beauty norms, sometimes encountering criticism, though her overall public image is positive and inspiring.

Winnie Harlow Summary

Winnie Harlow stands as a groundbreaking model and advocate who transformed personal adversity into global success. From her early struggles with vitiligo and bullying in Canada to becoming a prominent figure in the international fashion industry, she has inspired many through her courage and determination. Her work with top fashion houses, media appearances, and activism for diversity make her a remarkable role model, embodying beauty beyond conventional norms and advocating inclusivity in the fashion world.