Winnie Harlow Honored with Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds New York—And It’s a Big Deal for Those with Vitiligo
Winnie Harlow just made history—again.
The international supermodel and advocate, known for challenging beauty standards and proudly embracing her vitiligo, now has a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in New York City. Unveiled this June, the figure is nothing short of stunning. It captures Winnie’s radiant confidence in a striking pose and showcases her unique skin pattern with incredible precision—a first for the iconic museum.
Winnie’s new wax figure
For those unfamiliar with the museum, Madame Tussauds is one of the world’s most famous wax museums, with locations across the globe. Known for its lifelike figures of celebrities, cultural icons, and historical figures, the museum offers fans a chance to “meet” their idols in wax form. Getting a spot there isn’t just a mark of fame—it’s a symbol of lasting cultural impact.
According to the museum, Winnie’s wax figure “captures Winnie’s exact skin pattern at the time of her sitting,” which is notable as vitiligo typically changes over time. This figure represents a time capsule, in a way, of Winnie’s vitiligo as it looks in June 2025—a striking, one-of-a-kind snapshot that celebrates her beauty, individuality, and fearless self-expression.
The figure’s unveiling on June 25th specifically—World Vitiligo Day (WVD)—wasn’t an accident. Winnie stated on Instagram that she specifically requested June 25th as her figure’s launch day, and also invited numerous vitiligo models and advocates to join her at the launch event, a gesture of solidarity and inclusion that many found endearing and inspiring.
Why this moment matters
Winnie’s impact on and for vitiligo has been undeniable. Since rising to fame on America’s Next Top Model in 2014, Winnie has used her platform to redefine beauty, often speaking out about living with vitiligo—with both authenticity and an unapologetic confidence.
She’s walked runways for top designers, fronted campaigns for global brands, and become a role model for women with vitiligo around the world. Now, she’s the first person with vitiligo to be immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds.
A personal victory for the vitiligo community
For many in the vitiligo community, this moment is personal.
Representation in pop culture matters—deeply. For decades, those living with vitiligo rarely saw anyone who looked like them in media, fashion, or beauty spaces. That invisibility can lead to isolation, shame, and a lack of confidence, especially for young women growing up with the condition. But seeing someone like Winnie celebrated on such a global stage sends a powerful message: You are seen. You are beautiful. You belong here too.
“Seeing someone with skin like ours represented on such a global stage means more than words can say,” shared Kirps Bhogal on Instagram. “This isn’t just about beauty. It’s about visibility, acceptance, and power. This is everything. I feel proud, inspired, and reminded that we are ALL worthy of being seen.”
More than a wax figure
Winnie herself has often spoken about the importance of embracing your uniqueness. In her own words: “Vitiligo is just one part of me. It doesn’t define me, but it has helped me define myself.”
Her new wax figure does more than honor her success—it honors her courage, her advocacy, and the millions of people living with vitiligo who deserve to be recognized for their beauty and strength. To see a skin condition that once caused so many to feel “less than” now displayed front and center in a world-famous museum? That’s a win for all of us.
So if you’re in New York City, stop by Madame Tussauds and take a photo with a figure that’s not just art—it’s affirmation.
Summary
Winnie Harlow’s wax figure isn’t just a celebration of her career—it’s a milestone in visibility for people with vitiligo. As the first representation of vitiligo in a place as iconic as Madame Tussauds, this moment reminds us that we deserve to be seen, honored, and remembered—just as we are.
