Winnie Harlow, a model whose journey with vitiligo has been a testament to resilience and grace, shares a longing for greater awareness of the autoimmune condition during her childhood. "The power to share knowledge is truly profound for me," she mused in a recent interview with People, having been diagnosed with vitiligo at the tender age of four. She exudes relief that today, "options and choices" abound for those grappling with the condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation.
As a 31-year-old model, Harlow is joining forces with pharmaceutical company Incyte to launch ThisIsVitiligo.com, a website that offers resources and support to those navigating vitiligo's intricacies. "Kids with vitiligo face bullying on a daily basis," she adds, "and having safe spaces, whether among friends, family, or simply being true to oneself, is crucial in shaping a strong, confident child."
Harlow's openness aspires to instill confidence in others' skin. "I cherish the fact that through my career, I've been able to simply be myself," she shares. "And in being myself, I allow others to feel comfortable being true to themselves."
Reflecting on her modeling career as a pioneer of representation, Harlow expresses, "Each opportunity I was able to seize in modeling felt so much more powerful because it was trailblazing. It was a door that had never been opened before, making every achievement feel even more rewarding." She continues, "To be that person for others is a gift, one I didn't have growing up."
Looking ahead, the author of Simply Winnie desires for vitiligo to be normalized, so much so that it no longer shapes an individual's narrative.
