revista culture (xs)

Winnie
Culture: How did you overcome being bullied as
a child?
Winnie Harlow: Dropping out of high school
was possibly the best thing that could have happened,
because I found a rejuvenated sense
of self. I learned to love who I am despite what
anyone would say about or to me. This gave me
the courage to really stand up to anyone or any
obstacle in my life.
C: How did you get into fashion?
WH: To be completely honest I never thought
I could become a model growing up. I actually
wanted to be an entertainment journalist. I started
pursuing modeling after I had an interview
with a Toronto Photographer, Shannon Boodram,
and she encouraged me to continue pushing.
From there I started to build myself up by leveraging
social media.
“After Tyra gave me that opportunity it was my
time”
WH: When “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM)
was casting for the new season I asked all my
fans online to tag Tyra Banks so she could see my
photos -- and they did! My little sister started a
Facebook page for me and one of the producers
from the show sent a message showing interest.
Initially I didn’t believe it but I followed through
and ended up being on the show for season 21.
After Tyra gave me that opportunity it was my
time.
Nick Knight was my first big gig as a ‘real’ model.
Prior to, and during “ANTM” I never actually called
myself a model because I always viewed it as
a hobby. Then I received an email directly from
Nick and we made arrangements to work together
in London. That shoot gave me the confidence
to continue modeling as a career.
C: Does prejudice and discrimination still exist
within fashion?
WH: I think the industry is opening up but still
needs to accept various forms of beauty as a
standard, as opposed to an occurrence now and
then. I want to see different faces on the covers
of magazines, the stars of movies, featured on
billboards... It’s time we open the market up and
embrace people from all walks of life.
C: Are there any liberating aspects to the fashion
industry?
WH: The most liberating thing is being able to
just simply be myself and show the fashion industry
that beauty can come in many forms.
C: How important is social media in changing and
developing concepts of beauty?
WH: I think it helps. Social media when used positively
and correctly can act as a great tool for
you to meet people from around the world and
ultimately share what you have to offer.
C: Your look has become a fashion statement in
and of itself. What do you think of the backlash
against some of the people trying to imitate your
condition?
WH: I did share my ideas on my Instagram but to
reiterate I think that people are not imitating me
in a negative form. They were showing their version
of me and I appreciated it.
Harlow said on the social media platform that
“It is very clear to me when someone is showing
love. I appreciate these people recreating, loving
and broadcasting something that I once cried
myself to sleep over.”
C: Can you predict what the fashion industry’s
desired ‘look’ will be in the future?
WH: Not 100%, but whatever it is, I plan to be at
the forefront.
"An image can be stronger than an army The
fashion ads that shook society”
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