𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫: From São Paulo to Paris with Guinea-Bissau Heritage
Sheila Bawar is more than a new face in fashion — she is a story of origins. Raised in São Paulo with roots tracing back to Guinea-Bissau, she has transformed her heritage into a statement of pride, presence, and purpose. Her rise is not only a career, but a movement towards greater representation on the runways of the world. Her story is not simply about walking runways or appearing on magazine covers — it is about challenging beauty standards, elevating representation, and proving that Black women belong at the very center of global fashion.
Early Life and Beginnings in Modeling
Sheila’s journey began at just 13 years old, when she first started posing and experimenting with modeling. However, her mother encouraged her to finish her studies before fully entering the industry. It was only at 19, once signed in São Paulo, that Sheila officially launched her professional career.
From the start, Sheila approached modeling with a strong sense of purpose. She wanted to show young Black girls that their skin, their hair, and their features were beautiful — even if the industry had historically excluded them.
Her breakthrough moment came in September 2022, when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Brazil in the magazine’s most coveted issue of the year. Dressed head to toe in Chanel, Sheila called the achievement “a surreal dream,” writing on Instagram:
“Since I was little, society made me believe I wasn’t beautiful. For a long time, I believed it. But being here, on this cover, proves otherwise — my dark features and my Black skin are beautiful. This is not only my achievement, but one for many others too.”
This powerful declaration marked the beginning of her rise in fashion and set the tone for the legacy she aims to build.
International Debut and Runway Success
In March 2024, Sheila Bawar made her international runway debut in Paris, opening exclusively for Saint Laurent in a show styled by Paul Sinclaire. It was a defining moment — the entry point into the European fashion system, and the signal that she was ready for a global stage.
Since then, Sheila has walked for some of the world’s most prestigious houses, including:
- Valentino (under Alessandro Michele)
- Victoria Beckham
- Jacquemus
- Sacai
- Alberta Ferretti
- Boss
- Max Mara
- Miu Miu
- Dior Haute Couture
- Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda
- Moncler Grenoble
Her stride is powerful yet elegant, her presence magnetic — earning her recognition as one of the top newcomers of 2025.
Magazine Covers and Editorial Mastery
Sheila’s editorial portfolio is as impressive as her runway career. She has appeared in Vogue Italia, Vogue Brazil, Dazed, Document Journal, Harper’s Bazaar France, Numéro France, W Magazine, and The Sunday Times Style Magazine UK.
Her collaborations with top photographers have defined her visual identity:
- Rafael Pavarotti, who shot her for Vogue Italia (December 2024), W Magazine (June 2025), and The Perfect Magazine (cover, August 2025).
- Giampaolo Sgura, who lensed her July 2025 Sunday Times Style cover, where she wore Gucci in a glamorous “pool party nights” themed shoot.
- Ib Kamara, who captured her for a Dazed editorial in April 2025.
- Viviane Sassen, who photographed her for Dior Magazine: Miss Dior 2025.
Her ability to adapt to different creative visions — from the bold surrealism of Pavarotti to the refined minimalism of Zoë Ghertner in the Versace La Vacanza 2025 campaign — shows the extraordinary range that defines her career.
Recent Highlights in 2025
Sheila Bawar’s rise has been particularly remarkable in 2025, with achievements that underline her growing power in the industry:
- Dior Haute Couture Spring 2025 show in Paris.
- Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2025 and Alta Moda shows in Paris and Rome.
- Etro Resort 2026 Lookbook, photographed by Raffaele Cerulo.
- Versace La Vacanza 2025 campaign, shot by Zoë Ghertner.
- The Perfect Magazine Issue 9 cover (August 2025), photographed by Rafael Pavarotti.
- Nightswimming editorial for The Sunday Times Style UK (July 2025) by Giampaolo Sgura.
Each of these milestones has reinforced her place among the most sought-after models in Milan, Paris, London, and New York.
Representation and Agencies
Sheila Bawar is represented by some of the most influential modeling agencies worldwide:
- The Industry – New York
- Ford Models – Paris
- Fabbrica Milano Management – Milan
- Premier Model Management – London
- Kult Australia – Sydney
- EVOL Management – São Paulo
Her global representation reflects her international appeal, ensuring her presence across all major fashion capitals.
Legacy in the Making
Sheila Bawar is not only building a successful career, but also shaping a legacy of empowerment and representation. Her story resonates with young girls in Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, and beyond, who see in her proof that beauty is not limited to one standard.
Her surname, Bawar, which means “beautiful girl” in her mother’s dialect, could not be more fitting. Sheila embodies the new wave of models who bring authenticity, cultural pride, and strength to the forefront of fashion.
As she continues to grace runways and magazine covers, Sheila Bawar is carving out a place in history — not just as a model, but as a symbol of resilience, diversity, and change in the fashion industry.
