Victoria's Secret runway model (2018) and America’s Next Top Model finalist (2014), Winnie Harlow, represents the widening of acceptance of non-standard beauty in the fashion world of modeling. Never before has a model with vitiligo, a rare skin disorder, been accepted and catapulted to such high levels of modeling success. She truly represents a shift in the fashion industry; a shift that is beginning to boldly embrace difference as uniqueness of beauty.
I do not normally blog about gossip ... but in this case, since it is dealing with the fashion industry and Victoria's Secret mega-model Tyra Banks, I have got to include video clips from "The Real" who covers the scoop thoroughly.
Winnie Harlow has quite an extensive modeling portfolio after becoming a finalist on Tyra Banks' reality show although she has stated otherwise. Nonethless, she now has celebrity status and recognition in the most elite circles of the fashion world. Her multitude of fans and eager fashion reporters await her to walk down the red carpet at many celebrity events. She has walked down the red carpet at the MET Gala before in 2018 but never in the way that she did for the 2019 event held earlier this year. She was truly a show stopper!
When she stepped out at the MET Gala held in New York earlier this year, she exuded the confidence of a goddess as she strutted down the red carpet with a custom-designed Tommy Hilfiger gown perfectly fitted across her lean physique dripping in exquisite Chopard jewelry. She chose to show her interpretation of the gala's "camp" theme by also showing her Jamaican ancestry with a carnival queen look. Yes, darling, gemstone-clad headpiece and all!
She cleverly wore an outfit to the after-party comprised of a seemingly lingerie-inspired sheer, leopard-print bodysuit with matching corset and sexy thigh-high boots. This look proved to be a very harmonious transition look from gala to after-party. I love the fact that the two outfits seemed to have been considered as offsets of one another. Her stylist, Anna Trevelyan (Instagram :: annatrevelyan), surely deserves a mentioning here because Winnie Harlow stepped out looking top notch and oh, so stylish!
I know that Tommy HIlfiger has already rolled out his SS 2017 Collection and I am still blogging about the SS 2016 Collection. Well, most of the clothes ordinary people wear are not exactly current season anyways. Besides not only am I behind on my blogging efforts but I also am still fascinated by the ethnic swimwear, jewelry and accessories from the SS 2016 collection. I have yet to add a true jamaica-inspired macrame piece to my personal wardrobe.
Not only does Gigi Hadid and Jasmine Tookes stand out on the runway, but also does fellow Victoria's Secret model Imaan Hammam. She has a gorgeous, natural mane of hair and wears this particular look very well in both the swimsuit and the kaftan.
"Night-Blooming" Jasmine Tookes (VS Angel) walks in the 2016 Spring/Summer Tommy Hilfiger fashion show. Cool vibes. Cool grooves. Awesome stage setting!
Jasmine sort of looks like a Jamaican native in her adorable ensemble. The knit cap encompasses striped, vibrant colors which is very exemplary of Jamaican culture. The mesh graphic swimwear cover-up is chic and a must-have beach item. Fabulous collection including some super fabulous Victoria's Secret models in the mix to spice things up!
American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is really trying to re-energize his brand by carefully selecting models who have a global appeal. In selecting an ambassador for his male underwear line, he tapped male model Rafael Nadal (who happens to also be a successful tennis player) for a two-year contract. Nice selection I must say ... hmmm.
I am loving the NEW Tommy Hilfiger. His brand appeal has changed dramatically over the last two decades and his marketing strategy has been unfairly scrutinized. The ownership of his brand has changed hands a few times although he has continually remained the head designer of the brand.
He has bounced back from allegations of racism and has survived the hip-hop community turning their backs to his brand. Now, in 2016, he is making some successful strides in putting his label back on the radar and is taking his brand into a new direction that encompasses a diverse world while still giving a nod to urban appeal based on a trendy all-American style foundation.
You are just too cool, Mr. Tommy Hilfiger and I say, "Do YOU, boo! And just shake them haters off!"
