Harlow expressed her satisfaction in never giving up on her goal
This summer has been dubbed “The Summer of Winnie Harlow” by Highsnobiety, but her boyfriend Kyle Kuzma has been taking style cues from her for much longer than just the season. In her cover story for the magazine, the 28-year-old model and beauty entrepreneur shared the genuine story of finding love during a global pandemic. Despite her fame in the fashion and beauty industry, Harlow met her NBA boyfriend in a refreshingly ordinary way.
“We first met each other in casual clothes,” she revealed, describing their budding romance that initially developed online and through technology before blossoming into something more.
Kuzma took the initiative and reached out to Harlow through Instagram DMs. Soon, they were talking on FaceTime every day, and eventually, the 27-year-old Washington Wizards forward convinced Harlow to visit him in Los Angeles.
“It was like taking a leap of faith,” Harlow explained in her interview with Highsnobiety. “During the pandemic, we had the time to truly get to know each other, unlike in normal life when work and other commitments pull us in different directions.”
During their time together, Harlow discovered something surprising about Kuzma—he has a strong interest in fashion, which she was able to enhance. The basketball star expressed, “One thing I’ve learned is how to put together a complete look. Winnie pays attention to every single detail, from the accessories to the attitude to exude. She has truly elevated my style.”
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Once pandemic restrictions eased and the couple could go out on date nights, attend basketball games, and participate in campaigns together, Kuzma’s personal style transformed under Harlow’s guidance. Harlow became his own personal stylist.
“He tries on outfits during FaceTime with me, asking, ‘Which hat do you think? What shoes go well with this outfit? Should I pair this jacket with it?'” described the Dior Beauty model.
Kuzma can be confident that he is in capable hands. Harlow, who was diagnosed with the skin condition vitiligo at the age of 4, has made a name for herself since her appearance on America’s Next Top Model in 2014, despite considering quitting modeling. She has walked the runway for Marc Jacobs, starred in Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade in 2016, and even launched her own suncare-focused beauty brand called CAY Skin.
In a 2021 interview with PEOPLE, as a judge on Making the Cut, Harlow expressed her satisfaction in never giving up on her goal of redefining beauty standards and breaking barriers in the fashion industry.
“I never planned to fail,” she stated. “Coming from a disadvantaged background, my goal was to never return there. I wanted to take care of my mom and sister and make my dad proud.”
