Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, most famously known as Winnie Harlow, is a Canadian fashion model and public spokesperson who advocates for the skin condition vitiligo.
Harlow gained recognition in 2014 as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model.
Following the show, she modeled for Desigual and became their brand representative.
Harlow has also walked for Ashish during London Fashion Week and modeled for magazines like i-D and Dazed.
In addition to her modeling career, Harlow has appeared in various music videos, including Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”.
Parents
Harlow’s parents are Lisa Brown and Windsor Young. Her mother, Lisa, is of Jamaican descent, while her father, Windsor, is of mixed Jamaican and Caucasian heritage.
Harlow has spoken about the support she received from her mother during her childhood, particularly in dealing with the challenges of having vitiligo and the bullying that often accompanied it.
This support has played a significant role in shaping her confidence and resilience as she pursued her modeling career.
Career
Harlow’s career is a remarkable journey that highlights her resilience and determination in the fashion industry, particularly as a model with vitiligo.
She first gained national attention in 2014 as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model.
Although she did not win the competition, her unique look and strong personality caught the attention of many in the fashion world.
Following her appearance on the show, she quickly transitioned into professional modeling and began receiving offers from various brands and designers.
One of Harlow’s significant breakthroughs came when she was featured in a campaign for Desigual, a Spanish fashion brand.
This marked her first major modeling job after ANTM and helped her gain recognition, leading to further opportunities.
She made headlines when she walked for Ashish during London Fashion Week, showcasing her distinct beauty and challenging traditional beauty standards in the industry.
Throughout her career, Harlow has collaborated with numerous high-profile brands and designers. She has worked with Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Tommy Hilfiger, and others.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the fashion world.
Her presence on such platforms has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
In addition to her runway work, Harlow has been featured in various prominent fashion magazines. She has graced the covers of Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan, Dazed, and other publications.
Her visibility in media has played a crucial role in raising awareness about vitiligo while also challenging conventional beauty norms.
Beyond modeling, Harlow is an advocate for those with skin conditions like vitiligo.
She uses her platform to raise awareness about the condition and inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.
In March 2022, Harlow launched her own sun care and skincare brand called Cay Skin.
The brand focuses on providing products that cater to diverse skin tones and conditions, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity in beauty.
Harlow has received several accolades throughout her career, including the “Breakthrough Model of the Year” award at Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards.
She was also honored as “Model of the Year” and “Trailblazer of the Year” at Revolve’s awards in 2019.