The Inspirational Ladybug: Winnie Harlow

Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow or ‘Ladybug,’ as she is affectionately called by her three million followers on Instagram is the “it” girl, who is redefining beauty standards. There is no denying it, and we are obsessed with her being our perennial source of strength and determination.

There are many achievements to her credit — the official new face of Nike Air VaporMax Asphalt and Spanish fashion label Desigual; one of BBC’s 100 women in 2016; prominent mentions in publications like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Vogue; featuring in campaigns for Swarovski and Diesel’s Spring/Summer 2016; notable cameos in the music videos of Beyonce, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas; and a muse to the famous British fashion photographer Nick Knight, who has shot celebrities like Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, and Kanye.

She is also a prolific public speaker and has two notable awards to her credit — Beauty Idol at Gala Spa Awards, and Role Model at Portuguese GQ Men of The Year, both in 2015. You’d think she is the model-of- the-moment. But life wasn’t always easy for her.

Early Life

Chantelle Brown-Young, which is her real name, was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of four. It’s an incurable skin pigmentation disease that causes colorless patches on the skin. She was bullied incessantly for her looks, with her peers calling her “cow” and “zebra” She couldn’t take it after a point and dropped out to be homeschooled.

Talking to CNN about the bullying, Harlow said, “[Dropping out of high school] was possibly the best thing that could have happened, because I found a rejuvenated sense of self. I learned to love who I am despite what anyone would say about or to me. This gave me the courage to really stand up to anyone or any obstacle in my life.”

Getting Into Fashion

Fashion wasn’t the first thing on her mind when she was growing up. She wanted to be an entertainment journalist and while pursuing that she happened to interview a Toronto photographer, who nudged her toward modeling. Encouraged by her support, Harlow started building a portfolio of herself on the social media.

She was scouted by Tyra Banks on Instagram in 2014, which is an interesting story, as she chirps happily.

“When ‘America’s Next Top Model’ (ANTM) was casting for the new season I asked all my fans online to tag Tyra Banks so she could see my photos — and they did! My little sister started a Facebook page for me, and one of the producers from the show sent a message showing interest.Initially, I didn’t believe it, but I followed through and ended up being on the show for season 21. After Tyra gave me that opportunity, it was my time.”

It was indeed her time after that. Harlow joined Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model and received a lot of encouragement, becoming a finalist on the show. As the contest ended, her career took off. She walked on the ramps for famous designers and became the face of the global brands.

Activist Avatar

After facing so much bullying for looking different, it was only natural for her to become the voice of those facing discrimination in several walks of life. She has been consistently working to portray the message of beauty in diversity.

To spread the message of body positivity, Harlow shared a nearly-nude photo of hers on Instagram, wearing only a silver thong, which garnered nearly half a million likes in a day with hundreds of comments. She captioned the post saying, “The real difference isn’t my skin. It’s the fact that I don’t find my beauty in the opinions of others. I’m beautiful because I know it. Celebrate Your unique beauty today (& everyday)!”

She has spent her time in the spotlight inspiring her many fans to feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin, and indeed, many fans with Vitiligo have come forward to share their stories and be inspired.

She told Harper’s Bazaar, “Humans — like flowers — come in so many ranges; colors, heights, and sizes, for example. None of those differences makes one flower or human better or more beautiful. It’s the differences that make us all beautiful.”

Harlow spoke about her condition and answered questions in a video on YouTube titled, “Vitiligo: A Skin Condition, not a Life Changer.”; She poured her heart out again at a TED talk presentation in 2014, recalling her experience with living with vitiligo. In October 2015, Harlow was on the speaking panel of the Dove Self-Esteem Project at the 2015 Women in the World Summit.

Harlow’s Iconic Looks

These looks below will give you a sense of how beautiful and iconic Harlow is.

Cannes 2017

Her most glamorous fashion moment ever, she slayed in a royal blue Cinderella-like ball gown.

Paris Fashion Week 2017

She looks sensational in a blended two-tone gown at the Elie Saab’s SS18 fashion presentation.

Chopard Space Party 2017

She made heads turn at the Chopard Space Party in 2017 in a gorgeous ruffled red dress with a thigh-high slit.

Glamour Awards 2017

She sashayed on the Glamour Awards red carpet in a sheer black gown with tapering feather details toward the end.

MTV EMAs 2016

She arrived in style at the MTV EMAs first in a sheer, floor-length black gown and later changed into a sequined dress featuring a racy thigh slit.

DL1961 Campaign Launch Party

Harlow opted for a metallic silver hoodie dress, channeling space cadet vibes.

Yeezy Season 4 Show

Harlow kept it funky with a distressed DKNY outfit.

Dove Launch

She rocked the party dressing look in a sequin camo Ashish dress.

The Inspirational Woman

Harlow has created her own path against heavily stacked odds and didn’t let anything come in the way of her life. As she defiantly says, “People’s judgments don’t interest me.”

Yes, you go, girl!

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