Meet the Bawar sisters, the new albino stars of the fashion industry

Their looks couldn't be more of a contrast. Twins, Lara and Mara Bawar, have albinism, while their older sister Sheila does not. But the three siblings from Brazil are one exceptionally beautiful and talented family.

Lara, Mara and Sheila Bawar

Model sisters Lara, Mara and Sheila Bawar hope to spread positive, inspiring messages about diversity in the fashion industry. Source: Vinicius Terranova

At 11 years of age, are smashing beauty stereotypes.

The twins from São Paulo, in Brazil, have albinism, a condition that causes a lack of skin and hair pigment.

Their unique look caught the attention of Brazil-based Swiss photographer , when he saw a video of them.

Terranova photographed them for his project Flores Raras (Rare Flowers).
Albino twins Lara and Mara Bawar
Source: Vinicius Terranova
"They are incredibly beautiful and talented and that's why I wanted to work with them," Terranova tells SBS.

"They are self-confident, intelligent and work very well."

Terranova also photographed the twins' older sister Sheila, 13, who does not have albinism, to shine a light on the sisters' diverse beauty.

"Sheila is as beautiful as her sisters, their contrast carry a natural poetic and I'm happy the world was able to see it as well," he says.
Lara and Mara Bawar
Source: Vinicius Terranova
"They are aware of the power they have to inspire. Although very young, the twins Lara and Mara, already understand very well the importance of the work they are doing and how their self-confidence has been helping many people around the world.

"Alongside with Sheila, the sisters have also spread a message of love and respect for differences."

Lara and Mara have already been signed to model for brands like Nike and Bazaar Kids, and have amassed more than 83,000 followers on their .
Lara and Mara Bawar
Source: Vinicius Terranova
The Bawar sisters, whose parents are from Guine Bissau in West Africa, say they love modelling and are proud of their albinism.

"We are very expressive and creative. We like to see our beauty being valued by its unique aspects. We also love to read the beautiful comments on our pictures," they say.  

"We feel albinism is pretty, we love our hair, eye color and skin tone. Growing up like this was amazing, we love being different and are happy with our unique beauty."
Lara and Mara Bawar
Source: Vinicius Terranova
Terranova photographs the girls every three months, and shares many of them on his own.

He has watched their talent and confidence grow each time, and believes all three sisters have a big future ahead of them - both as models, and role models. 

"I can also see their talents evolving and getting more independent each day," he says.

"Though they are already famous as models, they already foresaw their role and impact in the world can go beyond the pictures as seen in their ."

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3 min read
Published 11 May 2017 4:12pm
Updated 11 May 2017 5:01pm
By Alyssa Braithwaite

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