The fashion industry is often selective and exclusive, which is why the world is celebrating three rising star models, two of whom happen to have albinism (a condition which causes skin and hair to lack pigment).
Lara and Mara Bawar, 11-year-old twins from São Paulo, Brazil, were noticed by Swiss photographer Vinicius Terranova when he passed through the area. As part of a personal project now known as Flores Raras (“rare flowers”), Terranova photographed the sisters along with their older sister, Sheila (who does not have albinism) to showcase how gorgeous diversity is.
Since their photos reached the masses, Lara, Mara and Sheila have all been signed to model for Nike, Insane and Bazaar Kids. Additionally, the trio has attracted an Instagram following of over 28,000 people.
When describing the project, Terranova wrote:
“My art represents the beauty in diversity and both the literal and symbolic extensions of empowerment.”
Presently, models featured in advertisements and on the glossy folds of magazines represent about 5% of the population. Diversity is essential for the industry to thrive, which is likely why a bold woman with Down’s Syndrome was featured during New York Fashion week and why three sisters – two of whom have albinism – were signed to model for a number of recognizable brands.
The twins are just as excited as the rest of the world seems to be. Lara told Brazilian media:
“We feel albinism is pretty, we love our hair, eye colour and skin tone.”
“Growing up like this was amazing, we love being different and are happy with our unique beauty,” added Mara.
13-year-old Sheila is also feeling empowered by the trio’s success. She commented,
“We like to see our beauty being valued by its unique aspects.”
Approximately 1 in 17,000 people will be born with albinism…
Which is why these twin 11-year-olds are so special – and gorgeous!
Lara and Mara Bawar were born with a condition that causes skin and hair to lack pigment.
Along with their sister Sheila, they were born in São Paulo, Brazil, to parents originally from Guinea-Bissau in West Africa.
After the trio was photographed by Swedish artist Vinicius Terranova…
…they were signed to model for agencies such a Nike, Kids Bazaar and Insane.
The girls love their looks and are grateful their diversity is being celebrated.
“We like to see our beauty being valued by its unique aspects,” said 13-year-old Sheila.
“We feel albinism is pretty, we love our hair, eye colour and skin tone,” commented Lara.
Her sister Mara added that “growing up like this was amazing, we love being different and are happy with our unique beauty.”
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