Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow Cannes 2018

Winnie Harlow (born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young on July 27, 1994) is a Canadian fashion model and public spokesperson on the skin condition vitiligo. She gained prominence as a contestant on the twenty-first cycle of the U.S. television series America's Next Top Model.

Early Life

Winnie Harlow was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She is of Jamaican descent. Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. She faced significant bullying during her childhood and was called derogatory names such as "cow" and "zebra," which led her to change schools numerous times and even drop out of high school.

Career

America's Next Top Model

In 2014, Harlow was discovered by Tyra Banks on Instagram and became one of the fourteen finalists on the twenty-first cycle of America's Next Top Model. Despite being eliminated in the second week of the finals, she returned to the competition after winning a fan vote and ultimately finished in sixth place.

Modeling Career

After her appearance on America's Next Top Model, Harlow's career took off. She has modeled for various brands, including Desigual, which made her their official brand representative. She has also appeared in magazines such as i-D, Dazed, and Glamour. Harlow has walked the runway for brands like Victoria's Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, and Marc Jacobs.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

Harlow is an outspoken advocate for individuals with vitiligo and has used her platform to raise awareness about the condition. She has spoken at various events and has been featured in numerous interviews discussing her experiences and the importance of self-acceptance.

Personal Life

Harlow has been open about her struggles with self-esteem and bullying due to her skin condition. She has used her experiences to inspire others and promote a message of body positivity and self-love.

Awards and Recognition

Harlow has received several awards and recognitions for her work in the fashion industry and her advocacy efforts. She was named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2018 and has been featured in various "30 Under 30" lists.

See Also

• Vitiligo
• America's Next Top Model
• Tyra Banks
• Victoria's Secret Fashion Show