Winnie Harlow says it’s time for her to be known as more than just a ‘vitiligo model’.
The 28-year-old catwalk beauty, who rose to fame as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model in 2014, is frustrated that people spend more time asking her about the condition, which causes patches of skin to lose pigment, than focusing on on her incredible achievements or her activism.
Speaking to US magazine Cosmopolitan, she said: “I was the first person with the condition to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, I was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, I graced the covers of countless magazines around the world. the world, and now I am a global brand ambassador for Puma.
“It’s always been important to me to save money and make sure I can take care of myself and my family.
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“The coolest aspect of fame is how many places in the world I get to go.
“But still, despite all my success, I am most often asked in interviews about my vitiligo, about how I was bullied in my youth, how I was called a cow or a zebra.”
Winnie insisted she’s been through a lot worse than vitiligo and is excited for people to know more about her.
She added: “It’s frustrating because I’m also a grown man who’s lived a full life. And to be honest, I’ve dealt with a lot more trauma than my skin.
“Putting me in this little box bothers me.
“I’m grateful to be doing what I love every day, but I’m excited for people to talk about my next chapter, Winnie.
“This is a new era based on activity, balance and being the founder of my own skincare brand [Clay Skin].”
Over the years, Winnie has appeared in advertisements for high-end brands including Fendi, Marc Jacobs, and Tommy Hilfiger, and has appeared in music videos, including Beyoncé’s 2016 Lemonade promo.
