Desigual taps model with vitiligo for AW 14

Spanish fashion chain Desigual, known for its unusual and outspoken advertisements, has signed one of the world's first models with vitiligo, Winnie Harlow, a skin disease that affects the skins pigmentation, as the face of its autumn-winter 2014 campaign.

In the spirit of “defying convention and questioning normality,” Desigual has selected Harlow because she “has made her particular skin condition one of her best assets, demonstrating how this trait is an essential part of her exotic beauty,” said the Spanish fashion retailer in a statement.

“We know very well that our differences are what is important in life. And fortunately, each and every one of us is unique and different and we have to appreciate and celebrate that," added the fashion chain.

For its upcoming campaign, Desigual has created a new slogan, which can be seen on the ads: "Desigual and polka dots that exude attitude." The AW 2014 campaign follows a similar vein as its former campaigns, which were designed to impact its shoppers, such as its former ad #tengounplan that showcases a young lesbian woman.

The 19 year old Canadian model first made her debut in the fashion world via the popular television show, America's Next Top Model. Her skin condition, which she has had since the age of 4, causes the cells responsible for her skins pigmentation to fade away and stop producing melanin, resulting in pale patches of skin all over the body.

Image: Winnie Harlow for Desigual AW 2014