Winnie Harlow: "I am not my skin"

The debates in the background of fashion have always interested me. I'm normally one to research into how companies treat their factory workers and what effects some retailers have on the environment. And i think its always important to know these kind of things, otherwise you have no idea where your clothes have come from and how they got to you. 

However, a more recent interest of mine is looking into the new and upcoming models in the industry.  I mean, everyone knows Cara Delevigne, but what about the less established models that are still creating beautiful shots?

Ex-ANTM candidate Winnie Harlow quickly became a favourite of mine very quickly. She is a 20 year old model with the skin condition vitiligo. This causes extreme pigmentation in her skin, causing some areas of her body to be different colours to others. To me, this shows a breakthrough from the fashion industry in the models that work the catwalks. No longer are brands consistently using the generically pretty models, but broadening their selection to women such as Winnie. This, by no means is me saying that this woman isn't incredibly stunning, because that really isn't the case. However, by using women who differ from the stereotype is a refreshing change and a much better role model for children and teenagers to look up to. Its so nice to see someone who struggled with her condition when she was younger grow to become this confident and create such beautiful pictures despite how she may not have always liked her condition. The campaign that she did for Desigual is by far one of my favourite campaigns of all. The symmetry in the colouration of her face is amazing against the colours and patterns featured; and seeing a model that genuinely looks like they are having a good time makes such a difference. 

So is Winnie her skin? Of course she isn't, she is an amazing model. However there is no denying that  her skin condition does bring a really unique element to all her pictures that is admired by the fashion industry. In my opinion, it doesn't matter either way, she's made her place in the fashion world pretty well since being dropped from ANTM. I just hope that she continues the way that she is and that there are a lot more incredible photos to come in the future.