Winnie Harlow, born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young on July 27, 1994, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, has redefined beauty standards and shattered barriers in the fashion industry. At 30 years old in 2025, she has not only built an illustrious career as a supermodel but has also emerged as an advocate for diversity and self-love. From enduring bullying as a child due to her vitiligo to becoming one of the most sought-after faces in fashion, Winnie’s story is a testament to resilience and authenticity.
A Challenging Childhood and Early Life
Winnie Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo, a rare skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation, at the age of four. Growing up as the middle child in a Jamaican-Canadian family, she faced relentless bullying, with classmates calling her names like “cow” and “zebra.” These experiences took an emotional toll, leading her to drop out of high school. However, Winnie credits her family, especially her mother, for instilling in her the confidence to embrace her uniqueness. Her early struggles ultimately became the driving force behind her success.
The Breakthrough: America’s Next Top Model
Winnie’s career took a major turn in 2014 when supermodel Tyra Banks discovered her on Instagram, inviting her to compete on Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). Although she didn’t win, her presence as the first contestant with vitiligo on the show made waves in the fashion industry. Her striking look and bold personality caught the attention of designers and brands worldwide, propelling her into the global spotlight.
A Meteoric Rise in the Fashion Industry
Post-ANTM, Winnie took charge of her career, securing major campaigns and runway appearances. Her breakthrough came with the Spanish brand Desigual, where she became a global ambassador. Soon, she was walking for major designers like Diesel, Julien Macdonald, and Ashish. By 2017, her face graced the covers of Elle, Vogue Italia, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar, proving that she was more than just a reality TV star—she was a force in the fashion world.
Her career-defining moment arrived in 2018 when she walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, becoming the first model with vitiligo to do so. This milestone cemented her status as a trailblazer, inspiring millions to embrace their uniqueness. That same year, she became a face of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, further solidifying her place in the beauty industry.
Expanding Her Empire: TV, Brand Collaborations, and Entrepreneurship
Beyond modeling, Winnie has diversified her career. She has appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Making the Cut, showcasing her charisma and industry expertise. Her partnerships with top brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Swarovski, Puma, and Steve Madden, have contributed significantly to her financial success.
In 2024, Winnie collaborated with L’Oréal on a global campaign promoting self-love and confidence, reinforcing her role as an advocate for diversity in beauty. With an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025, she is not just a model but a business mogul in the making. Reports suggest she is working on a skincare line tailored for people with unique skin conditions, a move that could expand her wealth significantly in the coming years.
Winnie Harlow and Gen Z: A Symbol of Authenticity
For Gen Z, Winnie represents the power of embracing one’s differences in a world obsessed with perfection. She resonates with a generation that values inclusivity, representation, and self-expression over traditional beauty norms. On TikTok and Instagram, she frequently receives praise for her confidence and authenticity, proving that her influence goes beyond fashion.
Her advocacy extends beyond social media. She actively speaks on mental health, self-acceptance, and diversity in the industry, making her an inspiration for those who have ever felt “othered.” Winnie has turned her experiences into a movement, pushing for more inclusivity in fashion and beauty.
Love Life & Relationships
Winnie’s love life has been a topic of public fascination. Since 2020, she has been in an on-and-off relationship with NBA star Kyle Kuzma. Their romance began when Kuzma slid into her DMs, and their chemistry quickly made them a fan-favorite couple. Despite a brief split in 2021, they rekindled their love, proving their bond was stronger than the pressures of fame. As of 2025, the couple remains together, balancing their busy careers while keeping their relationship private yet affectionate.
Before Kuzma, Winnie was linked to rapper Wiz Khalifa, though their relationship eventually ended. Through her dating history, Winnie has shown she values strong partnerships that align with her ambitious and independent nature.
What’s Next for Winnie Harlow?
As Winnie Harlow steps into 2025, her influence continues to grow. Her recent runway appearances for Balmain, Mugler, Balenciaga, and Off-White have reaffirmed her status as a top-tier model. With her rumored skincare line on the horizon, she is poised to become an entrepreneur, leveraging her personal experience to create products that empower others with unique skin conditions.
Beyond business, Winnie remains dedicated to advocacy. She frequently speaks at industry events, uses her platform to challenge outdated beauty standards, and continues to inspire millions worldwide. Her journey is far from over, and if history has proven anything, it’s that Winnie Harlow will keep breaking barriers and redefining beauty on her own terms.
Winnie Harlow is more than just a supermodel—she’s a symbol of resilience, confidence, and empowerment. From being bullied in school to dominating global runways, her story is a reminder that true beauty lies in self-acceptance. As she expands her career into entrepreneurship and activism, one thing is clear: Winnie Harlow isn’t just walking the runway; she’s leading a movement.
