Meet Winnie Harlow, a Vitiligo Supermodel Winning Against Beauty Stereotypes

Winnie Harlow’s rise in the fashion world is a story of resilience and courage. Diagnosed with vitiligo during her childhood, she faced criticism about her appearance and the feeling of being different from an early age. Yet, she turned those challenges into a platform to challenge conventional beauty standards. How did this young model transform obstacles into a force reshaping the industry? Check it out from here.

Winnie’s path was full of challenges from the beginning

Winnie, whose real name is Chantelle Brown-Young, was born in the Greater Toronto Area and diagnosed with vitiligo at just 4 years old. From early childhood, she had to navigate life feeling different from those around her.

“Growing up, I never saw anyone like me on TV, billboards, or on the runways,” she says in her interview. “I felt like I was the only person in the world like me.”

Her journey into modeling started by surprise

Winnie’s modeling talent was discovered almost by accident, as often happens with truly gifted individuals. Toronto journalist Shannon Boodram filmed a YouTube video featuring Winnie and her vitiligo, which quickly went viral with over 150,000 views. At just 16, Shannon encouraged her to consider modeling seriously, telling her she was a natural in front of the camera.

Winnie recalls the conversation fondly: “She actually didn’t believe that had been my first photo shoot.” That encouragement gave her the confidence to take her first steps toward a modeling career.

Even in uncertainty, she refused to give up

Winnie made her major public debut in 2014, at the age of 19, when she appeared on America’s Next Top Model hosted by Tyra Banks. Although she didn’t win, she reached the final rounds of the competition.

Reflecting on that time, Winnie recalls being discouraged: “At that point in my life, I was told or made to feel like I couldn’t model or that it wasn’t for me.”

Modeling allowed Winnie Harlow to rise as a powerful voice of inspiration

Despite the uncertainties that followed her time on America’s Next Top Model, Winnie quickly transformed early attention into a flourishing career. She became the face of Desigual, walked in London Fashion Week, and starred in campaigns for Diesel and Victoria’s Secret, establishing herself as a standout figure in global fashion.

Winnie has also used her platform to speak openly about vitiligo, giving TEDx talks and sharing her story online. She has ventured into acting with the film The Perfect Find and appeared in music videos for artists such as Eminem and Calvin Harris. In 2022, she launched her own skincare brand. Through her work and advocacy, Winnie continues to challenge beauty standards and inspire confidence worldwide.

After Winnie Harlow challenged conventional beauty, another model is stepping into the spotlight. Jeyzá Kaelani, who lives with ichthyosis, a rare skin condition, is breaking barriers and proving that elegance and courage can redefine the fashion industry.