Canadian supermodel and Kyle Kuzma’s fiancé, Winnie Harlow, has been challenging the narrow portrayals of beauty in the fashion industries for years now. She has carved her path into this industry through numerous adversities. Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of four, a skin condition that causes white patches to develop on the skin. This led to her being called a “cow” and a “zebra” at school, forcing a talented young girl to unfortunately drop out of school just 16 years old. Despite so many difficulties at a young age, she did not give up!

She worked hard to be able to live the life she had always dreamt of, and throughout all of these struggles, one person stood firm behind Harlow. Who? You might wonder. Well, it was none other than his grandfather. The 28-year-old held a special bond with her grandfather. So much so that she describes him as a strong father figure in her life and rightly so. That’s because, despite all the struggles her grandfather and parents faced being immigrants, they provided her the runway to Harlow and allowed her to be herself. There’s no doubt that she’ll always remember whatever she has learnt from her grandfather, especially the confidence he gave her. More so, because she doesn’t have him by her side anymore.

Yesterday, Winnie penned a heartfelt tribute to her beloved grandfather through Instagram after his unfortunate demise. “My grandfather’s love was boundless. I never heard him speak with more pride about anything than his 15 grandkids. He had a soft spot in his heart for the women of our family. His mother, sisters, wife, daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. He told my mother my whole life how beautiful I was.” Harlow wrote. She expressed her feelings after she lost someone she truly looked up to. With her grandfather no more with her she recalled her special moments with him. Additionally, Winnie Harlow posted a carousel of pictures dating all the way back to when she could fit into her arms to the most recent ones. Moreover, she thanked her grandfather for making the sacrifices he made throughout his life.

Her grandfather made the terrifying journey to an unknown country and started a family and provided the upcoming generations a stepping stone. “As we try to navigate this life without our amazing Patriarch, I find comfort in knowing you are in eternal peace and in the blessing I was given to have experienced a grandpa like you. Papa, you will always be my home; you will always live in my heart. I will always be obsessed with you. Thank you. I love you forever.” Harlow concluded. Watching Winnie give such a beautiful tribute to her grandfather, people close to her joined in to pay their respects. Among them was her fiancé Kyle Kuzma. The Milwaukee Bucks player dropped a comment with hearts to show her love and admiration for her grandfather. Soon, more people joined in including La La Anthony.

La La Anthony and the fashion world send their prayers to Winnie Harlow after her family loss

During this tough time for Winnie Harlow and her loved ones, several people and celebrities joined in to show their respect. This included Carmelo Anthony’s ex-wife and actress La La Anthony. She loved the effort Harlow put into honoring her grandfather. “Beautiful Tribute” Anthony wrote with a heart attached to it. Harlow and La La Anthony are both well-known in the fashion industry and share a great bond. This just goes to show the mutual respect between the two and also how tough times bring people closer.

Well, La La Anthony wasn’t the only person supporting Harlow during these tough times. Jamaican politician and former Miss World, Lisa Hanna, also gave her condolences to the Harlow family. “RIP- your legacy will live forever,” Hanna commented on the supermodel’s post. Winnie Harlow has Jamaican roots and has always been proud of her ancestry. So, Lisa Hanna and Harlow share a great bond. She even wished Winnie and Kyle Kuzma after their engagement. It shows the immense level of love and admiration between the two successful women.

Yolanda Hadid, a prominent name in the fashion space and mother of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid also took some time to mourn for Winnie Harlow’s loss. “So sorry for your loss, may his soul rest with the angels.” Hadid wrote. She supported Harlow in this time of difficulty and gave her condolences. Both Yolanda Hadid and Winnie Harlow are well-known for their work in the fashion industry. Moreover, both are vocal for body positivity and also for embracing differences.

Another famous personality from the fashion industry and Winnie Harlow’s colleague, Jeremy Scott also sent his prayers. “SENDING YOU SO MUCH LOVE,” He commented on Harlow’s beautiful tribute to her grandfather. The two have previously worked together for Amazon Studios’ “Making the Cut” and share a great working relationship. Scott was another person who tried to lift Harlow’s spirit during this difficult time. This goes to show the understanding and love between the people, and we hope Winnie Harlow recovers from this unfortunate loss.