SHALOM HARLOW

Shalom Harlow: A Canadian Supermodel Who Redefined the '90s Runway

🧒 Early Life and Background

Shalom Harlow was born on December 5, 1973, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, to Sandi Herbert and David Harlow. Raised in a hippie community outside Toronto, she was exposed to a creative and free-spirited environment. Her name, "Shalom," meaning "peace" in Hebrew, reflects her parents' values. Harlow initially pursued ballet and tap dancing during her youth but later transitioned to modeling after being discovered at a The Cure concert in Toronto at the age of 17 .​

⚡ Rise to Fame and Career Highlights

Harlow's modeling career took off in the early 1990s, quickly establishing her as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She became a favorite of top designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Gianni Versace, and Marc Jacobs, walking for brands like Chanel, Versace, Dior, and Jil Sander dazeddigital.com. Her elegance and distinctive presence on the runway earned her the title of "Model of the Year" by Vogue/VH1 in 1997 .​

In addition to her runway success, Harlow graced the covers of major fashion magazines and became the face of Chanel's Coco fragrance. She also co-hosted MTV's "House of Style" alongside Amber Valletta, further solidifying her status in the fashion world .​

🎬 Acting Career

Expanding her talents beyond modeling, Harlow ventured into acting with roles in films such as In & Out (1997), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), and Vanilla Sky (2001). She also appeared in the 1995 documentary Unzipped, which chronicled designer Isaac Mizrahi's creative process .​

🌿 Health Challenges and Return to the Runway

In the early 2000s, Harlow faced health challenges, including late-stage Lyme disease and severe black mold poisoning, which led her to take a hiatus from the fashion industry to focus on her well-being Vogue Hong Kong. After a period of recovery, she made a triumphant return to the runway in 2018, walking for Versace's Spring 2019 show. At 44, she captivated audiences with her signature supersize curls and commanding presence, proving that her influence in fashion remained strong .​

🌟 Legacy and Impact

Shalom Harlow's career is a testament to her resilience and versatility. From gracing the covers of top fashion magazines to making a memorable return to the runway, she has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Her journey reflects the evolving nature of modeling and the enduring power of authenticity and grace.​