Most of us remember skin as something we’re self-conscious about—blemishes, scars, things we try to hide. Winnie Harlow took the opposite route: a condition that once made her a target for bullying became the very thing that launched her into high fashion and made her a household name. This profile traces how the Canadian model turned vitiligo from a stigma into a superpower, along with her recent engagement to NBA star Kyle Kuzma and a career that spans runway shows and her own skincare line.
Full name: Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young ·
Date of birth: July 27, 1994 ·
Place of birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada ·
Occupation: Fashion model, actress, spokesperson ·
Known for: America’s Next Top Model, vitiligo advocacy ·
Relationship status: Engaged to Kyle Kuzma (as of 2025)
Quick snapshot
- Winnie Harlow has vitiligo, an autoimmune condition (CNN)
- She is engaged to NBA player Kyle Kuzma as of February 2025 (The New York Times)
- She appeared on America’s Next Top Model cycle 21 in 2014 (Wikipedia)
- 1994: Born in Toronto (Wikipedia)
- 2014: ANTM cycle 21 (Wikipedia)
- 2020: Started dating Kyle Kuzma (People)
- 2025: Engagement announced (The New York Times)
Eight key biographical facts in one view:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Real name | Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young |
| Date of birth | July 27, 1994 |
| Place of birth | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Occupation | Model, actress, activist |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Partner | Kyle Kuzma (engaged 2025) |
| Net worth | Estimated $2–3 million (2024) |
What causes Winnie Harlow’s skin condition?
- Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. This causes white patches on the skin (Cosmopolitan).
- Winnie Harlow was diagnosed at age 4 (CNN). She has described the condition as “part of my identity but not who I am” (Cosmopolitan).
- Vitiligo is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted through touch or proximity (Mayo Clinic).
What is vitiligo?
- Chronic skin condition causing depigmented patches (CNN).
- Affects roughly 0.5% to 2% of the global population, per the Mayo Clinic.
- Can appear at any age, but often before age 20.
How did Winnie Harlow develop vitiligo?
- Diagnosed at age 4 in Toronto (CNN).
- As a child, she faced significant bullying, which she has discussed in interviews and a TEDx talk (as reported by Wikipedia).
- She posted a YouTube video titled “Vitiligo: A Skin Condition, not a Life Changer” in July 2011 (per Wikipedia).
Is vitiligo contagious?
- No. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder, not an infection (Mayo Clinic).
- It cannot be spread through skin contact, sharing items, or any other casual contact.
The takeaway: Vitiligo is a medical condition, not a cosmetic flaw. Harlow’s public embrace of it has helped correct widespread misconceptions about the condition.
Harlow’s platform has done more to educate the public about vitiligo than most clinical campaigns. The trade-off: media often reduces her identity to her skin condition, while she insists it’s only one part of who she is.
Can vitiligo be cured?
Current treatments for vitiligo
- According to the Mayo Clinic, treatments include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy (light therapy), and skin grafting to restore pigment.
- Depigmentation therapy can lighten unaffected skin to create an even tone.
- No treatment works universally; results vary significantly between individuals.
Is there a permanent cure?
- There is no known cure for vitiligo (Mayo Clinic).
- The condition is chronic and can progress over time, with periods of stability and flares.
Winnie Harlow’s approach to managing vitiligo
- Harlow does not seek treatment. She has publicly stated she embraces her vitiligo (Cosmopolitan).
- Her approach: “I love my skin, I love the skin I’m in” (Instagram, via CNN).
The catch: While medicine offers repigmentation options, Harlow’s choice to forgo treatment sends a powerful message about self-acceptance over “fixing” a visible difference.
For millions with vitiligo, Harlow’s visibility is a rare counterweight to a beauty industry that still prizes uniformity. Her decision to launch Cay Skin, a sunscreen line for all skin tones (U.S. News), reflects that same ethos: protection, not concealment.
What did Tyra Banks say about Winnie Harlow?
Winnie Harlow on America’s Next Top Model
- Harlow appeared on cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model in 2014 (per Wikipedia).
- She was eliminated early in the competition, but the exposure was massive.
- Tyra Banks reportedly discovered Harlow on Instagram before the show (per Woke Waves).
Tyra Banks’ public support
- Banks has called Harlow “a supermodel and an inspiration to millions” (People).
- After Harlow’s elimination, Banks praised her confidence and unique look.
- Banks has repeatedly cited Harlow as an inspiration for her own work on body positivity.
Winnie Harlow’s response to Tyra’s comments
- In 2020, Harlow thanked Banks publicly for her support during and after the show (per Woke Waves).
- Harlow has said that Banks’ belief in her helped her persevere in the fashion industry.
The pattern: Banks’ backing gave Harlow a platform, but it was Harlow’s own work ethic and brand building that turned that moment into a lasting career.
“She is a supermodel and an inspiration to millions.”
— Tyra Banks, in an interview with People
Is Winnie Harlow in a relationship?
Winnie Harlow and Kyle Kuzma relationship timeline
- Harlow and NBA player Kyle Kuzma started dating in April 2020 (People).
- Their relationship became public through social media posts and red carpet appearances.
- The couple has been frequently photographed at NBA games, fashion shows, and international vacations.
Are Winnie and Kuz still together?
- Yes. As of February 2025, they are engaged (The New York Times).
- No public reports of a breakup or separation.
How long have they been together?
- Approximately four years before the engagement (E! Online).
- They began dating in April 2020 and announced engagement in February 2025.
Are they engaged?
- Yes. Kyle Kuzma proposed on February 13, 2025 (People).
- Harlow announced the engagement on Instagram on February 19, 2025, alongside an interview with Vogue (The New York Times).
- The ring is reportedly an 8.5-carat custom diamond (E! Online).
The trade-off: Public relationships come with constant scrutiny, but Harlow and Kuzma have managed to keep most details private while sharing milestone moments on their own terms.
Harlow’s engagement to an NBA star cements her crossover from fashion icon to mainstream celebrity. For a model who started on a reality competition, the trajectory is rare: most contestants fade within a year. Harlow has spent a decade proving that staying power beats viral moments.
What is Winnie Harlow’s net worth?
Sources of income
- Modeling contracts with major brands: Desigual, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Marc Jacobs (per Wikipedia).
- She walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2018, the first model with vitiligo to do so (per Wikipedia).
- Cay Skin, her sunscreen line, launched in 2022 (U.S. News).
- Endorsement deals and sponsored social media content, with over 10 million Instagram followers (CNN).
Estimated net worth in 2024
- Estimated at $2–3 million from modeling, endorsements, and her skincare line.
- Her net worth has grown significantly since her 2014 ANTM appearance.
Comparison to other models
- Harlow’s net worth is modest compared to top-tier supermodels (e.g., Kendall Jenner at $60 million), but she has built her career largely outside the traditional modeling agencies.
- Her value lies in marketability as a spokesperson for diversity and inclusion.
The implication: Harlow’s wealth is a lagging indicator of her real asset: cultural influence. Brands pay for the message she embodies, not just her image.
“I love my skin, I love the skin I’m in.”
— Winnie Harlow, via her Instagram (reported by CNN)
Timeline
Key milestones in Harlow’s life:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Born in Toronto, Canada (per Wikipedia) |
| 1998 | Diagnosed with vitiligo at age 4 (CNN) |
| 2014 | Appeared on America’s Next Top Model cycle 21 (per Wikipedia) |
| 2015 | First major campaign – Desigual (per Wikipedia) |
| 2016 | Walked for Tommy Hilfiger at New York Fashion Week (per Wikipedia) |
| 2018 | First model with vitiligo at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (per Wikipedia) |
| 2020 | Started dating NBA player Kyle Kuzma (People) |
| 2022 | Launched Cay Skin sunscreen line (U.S. News) |
| 2025 | Announced engagement to Kyle Kuzma (The New York Times) |
Harlow may have started her career on a reality show, but the arc from there to where she stands now—engaged to an NBA star, running her own brand, changing how the world sees vitiligo—is anything but typical. For the fashion industry, the message is clear: representation is not a trend, it’s a business imperative. And for anyone with a visible difference hoping to break into an image-obsessed field, Harlow’s trajectory offers a concrete path forward. For the model herself, the choice has always been the same: embrace the skin she’s in, or let someone else decide its worth.
For a deeper look at how she turned her condition into a career, read about Winnie Harlows inspiring journey from vitiligo diagnosis to runway success.
Frequently asked questions
Does Winnie Harlow have any children?
No. As of 2025, Winnie Harlow does not have any children (Wikipedia).
How did Winnie Harlow become famous?
She gained prominence in 2014 as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model cycle 21 (per Wikipedia). Her visibility as a model with vitiligo quickly made her a sought-after figure in fashion and advocacy.
Is Winnie Harlow married?
Not yet. She is engaged to NBA player Kyle Kuzma as of February 2025 (The New York Times).
What is Winnie Harlow’s real name?
Her real name is Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young (per Wikipedia).
Who is Winnie Harlow’s fiancé?
She is engaged to Kyle Kuzma, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA (People).
What skincare brand did Winnie Harlow launch?
She launched Cay Skin, a sunscreen line designed for all skin tones, in 2022 (U.S. News).
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Richard Vane is Senior Reporter at MorningTimes.uk, covering breaking UK news stories across politics, business and public affairs.