Chantelle Winnie is a model that I - along with the rest of the world (probably) - discovered through America's Next Top Model. The show is not exceptional, really, but if you like fashion and photography and photo shoots (which is the only reason I watch it hah), it is great.

Chantelle was a contestant in the latest season of America's Next Top Model. She did not do exceptionally well in the competition, but I happen to believe that that does not really and truly reflect the actual potential she has as a model.




The really special thing about her, is her skin - clearly. She has a condition called Vitiligo, which is a chronic disease where patches of skin loose their pigmentation. Chantelle had this since she was four, so she had what she describes as a tough childhood especially when around other children.

However, it is beautiful that both in the competition and even when out in the 'real' modelling world, that flaw - so to speak - was that thing that set her apart and contributed to her beauty, and people saw that beauty. The disease doesn't wear her, she wears it.

One of her latest collaborations was with Desigual for their Spring/Summer 2015 collection, which was not the first time she teamed up with them. Both that and the Autumn/Winter 2014 collaboration she did with Desigual were great advertorial shoots in my opinion - she was an immensely great fit for Desigual. However, the first  photo above shows that skin condition or not, she can do an array of things and moods. It is a paradox, because while very unique and interesting, it seems to me like she still has that adaptability that successful models have.

Desigual's Autumn/Winter 2014 Campaign

Desigual's Spring/Summer 2015 Campaign

Editorial for SHOWstudio x MACHINE - A

The above shoot must be my favourite, the angle of the camera in the first photo, the angles of her body and limbs and the ethereal expression  - it all came together.

I think all this is an exceptional image. I feel that it is proof that society and the fashion industry are collectively  moving away from that exclusively obvious, perfect perfect and all symmetrical beauty. Beauty is a lot of things, in my opinion.