WINNIE HARLOW

Winnie Harlow: Redefining Beauty Standards in the Fashion Industry​

Early Life and Background

Born as Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young on July 27, 1994, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Winnie Harlow is a Canadian fashion model and public spokesperson. She was diagnosed with vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by depigmentation of portions of the skin, at the age of four. Harlow faced significant bullying during her childhood due to her condition, leading her to change schools multiple times and eventually drop out of high school. Despite these challenges, she emerged as a resilient figure, embracing her unique appearance and using it as a platform to challenge traditional beauty norms .​

Breakthrough in Modeling

Harlow gained prominence in 2014 as a contestant on the 21st cycle of the U.S. television series "America's Next Top Model." Although she did not win, her participation brought significant attention to her distinctive look and advocacy for diversity in fashion. Following the show, she modeled for brands like Desigual and Diesel, and appeared in various fashion magazines, including Glamour and Cosmopolitan .​

Career Highlights and Advocacy

In 2018, Harlow made history by becoming the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She has since worked with high-profile brands such as Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike. Beyond modeling, Harlow has been an outspoken advocate for individuals with vitiligo, delivering a TEDx talk and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about the condition .​

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In March 2022, Harlow launched Cay Skin, a sun care and skincare brand inspired by her Caribbean heritage and personal experiences with sun sensitivity due to vitiligo. The brand focuses on providing inclusive sun protection products suitable for all skin tones, addressing a gap in the market for people of color 

Personal Life

Harlow has been in a relationship with NBA player Kyle Kuzma since 2020. The couple announced their engagement in February 2025 during a vacation in Turks and Caicos, sharing the news with fans on social media .​

Winnie Harlow's journey from facing childhood bullying to becoming a prominent figure in the fashion industry exemplifies her resilience and commitment to redefining beauty standards. Through her modeling career, advocacy, and entrepreneurial endeavors, she continues to inspire and empower individuals worldwide.​