Fashion model and activist Winnie Harlow made history on World Vitiligo Day by becoming the first person with vitiligo to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
“This is a stamp in time for representation,” Harlow wrote to her followers on Instagram following the unveiling on June 25. “It was so important to me to launch on this day as the first person with vitiligo to have a wax figure!”
“Thank you to the incredible team at @madametussaudsusa for working endless hours,” she said of her lifelike figure, which pays homage to not only her career but the vitiligo community as a whole. “Thank you to my vitiligo brothers and sisters who pour their love into me. We have a community that we always longed for, and it’s worth its weight in gold.”
Since vitiligo naturally evolves, Harlow’s wax figure captures her exact skin pattern at the time of her sitting, and she is dressed in the dazzling gold sequin gown she wore to the 2023 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — an outfit that was donated by Victoria’s Secret. A statement by Madame Tussauds said Harlow chose the look because of how it highlights her skin. “The outfit is finished with gold Louboutin heels and sparkling statement jewelry — including an iced-out chain and earrings — that bring her signature glam to life,” the statement added.
“When anyone comes to see my wax work,” Harlow said at the unveiling, “I hope they feel seen. I hope they know that if you put your mind to it, the powers that you hold within you can shine.”
“I appreciate you guys for uplifting me and taking the weight of me being a first by you guys being the BEST,” she further said to her vitiligo community who attended the unveiling. “I watch you guys walk in your strength and confidence, and wish little Winnie could see you all. You’re my family. I love you to the moon and back.”
Three years ago, Harlow made history by being among some 100 Black female founders to have raised more than $1 million in venture capital funding. Harlow is the founder of the skincare brand, Cay Skin.
Ahead of Cay Skin’s launch in 2022, it raised a $4.1 million seed round. According to Fortune, this fundraise was relatively large for the skincare industry which recorded a median venture funding of $3.5 million for 2021.
“At first we were hearing a lot of ‘no’s,” Harlow told Fortune. “It was getting a little bit scary. I was remembering my start as a model, hearing all those ‘no’s in the beginning of my career. Persevering, continuing to push through, and saying, ‘I believe in this,’ and it comes to fruition—that was the same feeling I had with Cay.”
30-year-old Jamaican-Canadian model Harlow first came into the limelight as a contestant on the 21st cycle of America’s Next Top Model in 2014. Born Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, this fierce model dared to break into the fashion world by not allowing her skin condition to define her and her abilities.
Growing up, Harlow had to deal with taunts from her classmates, and some shunned her because of her skin. She has since risen like a phoenix throughout her career and proven to everyone that no condition should stop them from living life to the fullest.
Harlow now focuses on inclusivity through her skincare line, which is creating sunscreen for Black skin.
“I wanted it to be representative of everyone under the sun, from light to dark,” she said. “Sun care is for everyone under the sun. It’s not just for girls who use products and it’s not just for little kids. So, I wanted this to be suitable to sit on my boyfriend’s countertop and for his aesthetic, and my countertop. And genderless and ageless.”
She added, “I really wanted to create something from scratch. It’s so easy to slap your name on a product, but this line has so much to do with me, from the ingredients to the packaging I’ve created. This is my brainchild. I did my own campaign, but I also had to cast other models, I had to book hair and makeup, and make sure that I got the right stylist and photographer. I’ve worn so many hats when it comes to Cay Skin.”