Winnie Harlow, known by her full name, Winifred A. Nyamubeya, is a Canadian model and activist who seems to have entered the very heart of the fashion world, breaking stereotypes and rebranding beauty standards with her unique look and powerful voice. Diagnosed with vitiligo—a skin condition characterised by depigmentation—Winnie spoke about her experience of living with vitiligo and self-confidence.
The History of Overcoming Stigma
The disease is called Vitiligo, a very rare condition with approximately 1% prevalence in the world’s population. In this disease, spots of skin lose their pigmentation. Growing up, Harlow was always harassed because she was visibly challenged. She suffered severe bullying and ostracism; “these cruel remarks brought her enough attention at school.”.
Harlow never had high self-confidence in her early years because those who sported numerous visible differences were not parts of the societal beauty standard. However, her path towards self-acceptance kicked when she became rational enough to understand that those differences could be used to become a strength and not be hidden behind those veils. However, with growing confidence as she transformed, Harlow began sharing her story via social media, through which she gained tremendous attention primarily because of her bold look and fearlessness.
New Concept on Beauty in the Fashion Industry
It was in 2014 that Harlow won the prize of working on America’s Next Top Model. Her show became a new page-turner in discussions about beauty from the perspective of the fashion world. Harlow presented a strong face and undeniable talent as she broke the mould of the conventional model. Ever since, Harlow walked for top designers and brands, walking down runways and appearing in the most high-profile campaigns.
The beauty embodiment has defined the concept of beauty by bringing together differences and individuality as something beautiful. She proved that people with vitiligo are not ugly but unique and strong.
Empowerment through self-confidence and inclusion
Beyond the modelling career, Harlow is a loud-mouthed activist for body positivity and inclusion. She comments mainly on how, over time, not overnight, that self-confidence grows. She encourages people to love themselves despite the differences that make them different, and what she focusses on are these differences as strengths. Through her activism, Harlow has reached out to those confined in the lines drawn by the unaccepting society to its beauty criteria.
Not many people in this world boast of happening under pressure to conform, but Winnie Harlow does: self-confidence begins with embracing your uniqueness. This journey proved it is through the breaking of those barriers that creates an avenue out for change and paves the road into a more inclusive and diverse future.
