Winnie Harlow shares 'full circle' story after working with Kanye West at NYFW
Winnie Harlow is having a "full circle" moment.
The 28-year-old model took to social media on Thursday to share photos and videos of herself on the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) runway, including a clip of rapper Kanye West styling her in a Yeezy outfit.
In the video, 45-year-old West is seen adjusting a pair of dark grey futuristic sunglasses on Harlow. The model rocked a white plunging long-sleeve bodysuit, a gold chain belt, gold jewelry and a long black pony tail.
The Canadian icon, who's also a public spokesperson on the skin condition vitiligo, reflected on how different this year's NYFW is compared to her first.
"You know what's crazy about this moment? My first fashion week, I had no money and no agency, yet spent my last and flew myself out to NYC in hopes of walking for Kanye's first Yeezy show," Harlow wrote in her caption. "Clearly, I didn't get it. I didn't get any show that year, actually. I flew back home and cried in bed. But I never gave up knowing that I wanted to make younger me proud; the younger me that never seen anyone who looked like me. This year, Kanye West walked right up to me to put me in Yeezy. Wow. Blessed. Full circle."
Fellow stars and several fans commented on Harlow's post to show their support for the Mississauga, Ont.-born model.
"Everything. God did that, and you showing people [to] never give up, love that," wrote model and "The Real Housewives of Dubai" star Chanel Ayan.
"Let’s go, queen," added rapper Busta Rhymes.
"We love to see it! Manifesting takes time sometimes, but it always works when you really want it to!" replied entrepreneur YesJulz.
"You’re a dreamer, a believer, shot shooter, a see through'er! God got u sis! Sooo proud of you! Keep winning, Winnie," rapper Sevyn Streeter chimed in.
"The first time I met you I knew you had a big future ahead. You rock, angel!" one fan wrote.
"Incredible! Keep going, Winnie!" another penned.
"Love to hear this testimony," someone commented, along with several red heart emojis. "So inspired by every word... I will keep pushing and one day tell my story to the [world]. Thanks for being you."
While NYFW ended on Wednesday, Harlow was fully booked for the 2022 event. On Tuesday, the model, who has Jamaican roots, walked the runway for Puma, wearing a black long-sleeve turtleneck gown by fashion designer June Ambrose. During the show, Harlow was joined by her boyfriend, NBA star Kyle Kuzma, who rocked a black top along with a large black puffer jacket tied around his waist.
Harlow also had the honour of walking with retired Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt. For the show, the 36-year-old Olympic track star wore a black and white Puma jacket that featured a long cape, matching pants and a black bowtie.
"To walk with the legend himself, Usain Bolt, a Jamaican hero," Harlow wrote in a caption of an Instagram post. "I couldn’t have dreamt of this moment in my wildest dreams! Thank you, June Ambrose, I love you endlessly!"
Since NYFW began on Sept. 9, Harlow walked the runway for several other fashion designers including Sergio Hudson and LaQuan Smith. She also wore outfits from brands such as Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger.
For the LaQuan Smith show on Sept. 12, Harlow wore a strapless black dress that covered her chest with a silver metallic bodice.
Harlow also modelled for the Tommy Hilfiger on Sept. 11, wearing a green plaid cropped sweater vest and brown sweatpants. The look was paired with black shoes and a matching green, blue and yellow plaid handbag.
For the runway, Harlow was joined by model Yvesmark Chery, who also has vitiligo.
"This is the type of magic I live for," Harlow wrote on Instagram. "Before I was in the industry, there was no one who looked like me. I never felt represented and decided to be the representation I wanted to see. Here we are today, in a world where my younger self would be so proud."
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