Canadian model Winnie Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of four a skin condition that causes white patches to develop on the skin due to a lack of melanin.
She was called a "cow" and a "zebra" at school and dropped out at the age of 16 due to extreme bullying despite the difficulties of her early years, Harlow became a model, challenging the narrow portrayals of beauty in the fashion industry by appearing on America's Next Top Model and working for the likes of Diesel and Ashish. She has also warmed the hearts of millions by wholly embracing her vitiligo, which has left patches on her skin.
She is now using her fame and growing an Instagram following to spread a message of body positivity. In a recent post, she wrote: "The real difference isn't my skin. It's the fact that I don't find my beauty in the opinions of others. I'm beautiful because I know it. Celebrate Your unique beauty today and every day!. In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, she revealed that she had a difficult childhood as a result. She said: "Kids called me a cow and mooed at me. I remember sitting by my window wishing upon the stars that my skin condition would go away." Despite these difficulties, she has managed to build confidence in herself and launch a successful modelling career.