Winnie Harlow has become one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry for redefining what beauty means.
Diagnosed with vitiligo at a young age, she transformed what many see as a ‘condition’ into a symbol of individuality, confidence and empowerment.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment due to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color. It is not contagious or life-threatening, but can significantly affect self-esteem due to visible differences in appearance.
Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of four and grew up experiencing severe bullying, with classmates calling her hurtful names and isolating her because of her skin.
Her life changed when she was discovered by model Tyra Banks and appeared on America’s next top model.
Although she did not win, her unique appearance attracted worldwide attention and she went on to collaborate with major fashion brands and became the first model with vitiligo to participate in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Harlow has consistently questioned society’s way of labeling people with visible differences and has openly rejected being called a “vitiligo sufferer.”
In 2018, she wrote on her Instagram post: “I’m not a ‘vitiligo sufferer’, I’m not a ‘vitiligo model’. I’m Winnie. I’m a model. And [I] I happen to have vitiligo. Stop imposing these titles on me or anyone else. I’m not bothered! In any case, I succeed in showing people that their differences do not make them WHO they are!”
She has also emphasized that beauty comes in all forms and that individuality should be celebrated rather than hidden.
Winnie Harlow has inspired millions of people around the world through her self-confidence, especially those with vitiligo or other visible differences. Her success has helped normalize diverse media appearances and encouraged conversations about inclusivity and self-love.
