Every first Monday in May, the fashion world assembles in Manhattan for the Metropolitan Museum’s annual Costume Institute Gala, also known as the Met Ball. The event has become the Super Bowl of the industry and last night’s event was a particularly religious experience for its devout followers. Attendees were tasked with the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” an homage to Catholicism in the fashion industry. The carpet saw celebrities from around the world put on their A-game for an iconic showdown of fashion and art, and Winnie Harlow brought her Sunday best.
The Canadian-born model has become one of the most well known faces in the industry after Tyra Banks found her on social media for America’s Next Top Model in 2014. At just four years old, Harlow was diagnosed with Vitiligo, a skin pigmentation disease that causes colorless patches along the skin. Today, she’s made history with three covers for Harper’s Bazaar Singapore‘s May issue, walked for brands like Dior, Desigual, and Coach, and hosted Tedx Talks on breaking beauty boundaries. Although her journey did not come without its challenges, Harlow has become an inspiration to her 3 million followers as a voice for changing standards within the fashion and beauty industries.
As a newcomer to the festivities this year, Harlow welcomed us into her hotel room as she got ready for her debut attendance. The model collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger to create a dress worthy of the Gods, complete with a white corseted gown, Bulgari jewels, and a custom headdress made by Brittny Wood of Odd Commodities. Below, she discusses how she prepared for the night, fashion’s changing landscape and how she’s carving out a lane for herself.
Images by Hunter Abrams, video by Jay Gunning.
