Who is Winnie Harlow?
Winnie Harlow is a world-famous Canadian fashion model, entrepreneur, and public speaker. She is best known for confidently embracing her skin condition called vitiligo, which causes patches of lighter skin. Instead of hiding it, Winnie turned it into her strength and became one of the most recognizable faces in global fashion.
She rose to international fame after appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2014. Today, she walks for luxury brands, appears in major fashion magazines, runs her own beauty brand, and actively spreads awareness about self-love and diversity.
In 2026, she continues to make headlines for her fashion campaigns, advocacy work, and appearance in the Prime Video docuseries The CEO Club alongside global icons like Serena Williams and Thalía.
| Full Name | Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young |
| Professional Name | Winnie Harlow |
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1994 |
| Age | 32 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Model, Entrepreneur |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Known For | Modeling with Vitiligo |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5–7 Million (estimated) |
Winnie Harlow Early Life
Winnie Harlow was born as Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young in Toronto, Canada. She was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of four. During her school years, she faced bullying because of her skin condition. Many children teased her and gave her hurtful nicknames.
The bullying became so serious that she changed schools multiple times and even thought about leaving school completely. However, despite these challenges, she remained strong. Her mother supported her emotionally and encouraged her to believe in herself.
Instead of seeing vitiligo as a weakness, Winnie slowly started to see it as something unique and beautiful.
Winnie Harlow Education
Winnie completed her schooling in Toronto. Due to bullying, her academic journey was difficult. However, her real education came from life experiences.
She did not attend a traditional university. Instead, she focused on modeling and personal growth. Over time, she developed strong communication skills and business knowledge, which helped her build her own brand.
Winnie Harlow Family
Winnie comes from a Jamaican-Canadian family.
- Parents: Jamaican immigrants
- She shares a close bond with her family, especially her mother.
In her personal life, she has been in a public relationship with NBA player Kyle Kuzma. As of recent reports, she is engaged and planning the next phase of her life.
She often shares family moments and personal updates on social media.
Winnie Harlow Career
Early Career
Winnie’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she was discovered through Instagram by Tyra Banks and invited to participate in America’s Next Top Model. Although she did not win the show, she became one of the most memorable contestants.
Her unique appearance caught global attention.
Breakthrough in Fashion
After the show, Winnie quickly entered high fashion. She worked with major global brands and walked on international runways.
She has appeared in:
- Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
- Vogue Magazine
- Cosmopolitan
- Harper’s Bazaar
She became one of the first models with vitiligo to walk in major fashion weeks worldwide.
Her presence changed the fashion industry’s idea of beauty.
Business & Brand Growth
Winnie is not just a model. She is also an entrepreneur. She launched her own skincare and beauty brand, promoting inclusivity and self-confidence.
In 2026, she appeared in Prime Video’s docuseries The CEO Club, where she joined powerful women like Serena Williams and Thalía to discuss business, leadership, and personal growth.
She was also featured in Champion’s Spring 2026 global campaign, proving her continued relevance in fashion.
Advocacy & Awareness
Winnie actively works to raise awareness about vitiligo. She has partnered with health organizations and campaigns to educate people about the condition.
She often says,
“I’m not suffering from vitiligo. I’m living with it.”
Her message is about confidence, not victimhood.
Winnie Harlow Personal Life
Winnie is known for her positive and bold personality. She promotes:
- Self-love
- Diversity
- Mental health awareness
- Confidence
She openly talks about her childhood struggles and how she overcame them. Today, she inspires millions of young people worldwide.
She enjoys traveling, fashion styling, fitness, and spending time with loved ones.
Controversy
Winnie has largely maintained a clean public image. Occasionally, she has responded strongly to critics or misconceptions about vitiligo. However, these moments usually turn into powerful discussions about representation and equality.
She is widely respected in the industry.
Winnie Harlow Social Media
| Platform | User ID | Followers (Approx.) |
| @winnieharlow | 9.9M+ | |
| Twitter (X) | @winnieharlow | 117K+ |
| TikTok | Winnie Harlow | — |
| YouTube | Limited | Interviews & Campaigns |
Winnie Harlow Net Worth
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
| Modeling Contracts | High |
| Brand Campaigns | Significant |
| Beauty Brand | Growing |
| Endorsements | Strong |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5–7 Million |
Winnie Harlow Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinct Feature | Vitiligo Skin Pattern |
Interesting Facts About Winnie Harlow
- She turned childhood bullying into global success.
Winnie was bullied so badly in school that she once considered quitting education. Today, she walks on the world’s biggest fashion runways. Her story proves that pain can become power. - She was discovered through Instagram.
Tyra Banks noticed her on social media, which changed her life. This shows how digital platforms can create life-changing opportunities. - She made history at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Winnie became one of the first models with vitiligo to walk in the iconic show, breaking traditional beauty standards in a major way. - She prefers the term “unique” over “different.”
Winnie believes her skin is not something that makes her different negatively, but something that makes her unique and powerful. - She is a global symbol of inclusivity.
Brands now highlight diversity more openly, partly because models like Winnie proved that audiences appreciate real representation. - She has spoken at international events about self-confidence.
Beyond modeling, she is invited to speak about self-love, mental strength, and body positivity. - She continues to grow as a businesswoman.
Her appearance in The CEO Club shows that she is expanding beyond fashion into leadership and entrepreneurship. - She inspires people living with vitiligo worldwide.
Many young girls and boys say they gained confidence after seeing her proudly represent her skin in media.
FAQs
Q1. What is Winnie Harlow’s real name?
Her real name is Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young.
Q2. What condition does Winnie Harlow have?
She has vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation.
Q3. How did she become famous?
She became famous after appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2014.
Q4. Is Winnie Harlow married?
She is engaged as of recent reports.
Q5. What is her net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $5–7 million.
Q6. Does she own a business?
Yes, she has launched beauty and skincare products.
Q7. Why is she important in fashion?
She broke traditional beauty standards and promoted diversity.
Q8. Is she active in 2026?
Yes, she is active in fashion campaigns, business ventures, and media appearances.
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