If you want to become a model, look at Winnie Harlow for inspiration. Overcoming difficult circumstances, Winnie Harlow has become a very successful model. Here is why LUXE Models thinks that the Canadian star is well on her way to becoming one of this decade’s defining style icons!

Overcoming adversity

Winner Harlow was diagnosed with a chronic skin condition called vitiligo when she was just four years old. This means that patches of Winnie’s dark skin lost their pigmentation, turning white. As a child, Winnie was viciously bullied by other kids, due to her condition, but she didn’t let that stop her.

Like Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow is part of the ‘social media modelling movement.’ She was discovered by America’s Next Top Model host Tyra Banks on Instagram, where she has 1.5m followers. Winnie entered the show in 2014 and was eliminated, but she didn’t let that stop her. According to The Telegraph, Winnie then became the face of Spanish brand Desigual, kick-starting her career.

Rising star

Once she was tapped by Desigual, Winnie soon started finding modelling work. In September 2014, she walked the runways for clothing brand Ashish, while showcasing their Spring/Summer 2015 range at London Fashion Week. She has since worked with cool brands like Diesel and indie fashion publications such as Dazed and i-D, as well as more established magazines like Glamour and Ebony.

Winnie’s now branching out. She’s appeared in music videos for the likes of Eminem, Sia and Beyoncé, helping re-define global beauty norms. Alongside the iconic Adriana Lima, Winnie is now a clothing-ambassador for Desigual. Winnie also takes the time to educate people about her condition, like in November 2014, when she gave a TED talk on what it’s like to live with vitiligo. She was also given the ‘Role Model’ award at the Portuguese GQ Men of The Year event, showing her rising cultural influence.

Daring trendsetter

What we love about Winnie Harlow is that she’s fearless. Whether she’s answering the question “what is beauty” during a TED talk or baring her skin in campaigns for brands such as Diesel, Winnie never runs away from her condition. She wears what she wants, often gracing bikinis, midriff showing tops or leg-baring lace skirts, showing that she is in control of how she’s presented to the world.

A lot of fashionistas are quickly becoming obsessed with Winnie Harlow and it’s easy to see why. She knows how to rock a trend, tackling everything from double denim to 90s rock girl chic with ease. Winnie’s also a mistress of the red carpet, always looking fabulous. We especially love the floor-length, black lace panel dress Winnie recently wore at the MTV EMAs, which was both risqué and classy!

Like any true fashion icon, Winnie’s also never afraid to push the boundaries. Who can forget when she rocked that Kristian Aadnevik gown with asymmetrical lace panelling and the highest slit ever? It made headlines around world. Winnie’s used to doing that, as she’s something of a trendsetter.

Style icon

When you’re as brave, beautiful and fashion forward as Winnie Harlow, you’re destined to become a fashion icon. The way Winnie owns her looks, using bold yet sophisticated pieces to highlight them, has made her an example to women around the world. Base your attitude on Winnie Harlow’s and be fearless, so you can take advantage of every opportunity and break into modelling!

The post LUXE Models Style Icons: Winnie Harlow appeared first on LUXE Models.