In Conversation with Sheila Bawar
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04/12/2025
In Conversation with Sheila Bawar
This weekend we had the pleasure of welcoming Sheila Bawar to the Premier office for an in-person conversation about her journey in the fashion industry. From her beginnings to the defining moments that shaped her path, Sheila spoke openly about what she’s learned, the highs that still feel surreal, and the experiences that have become her true “pinch-me” memories.
Sheila began modelling at a young age and has since built an extraordinary body of work. She has appeared on the covers of Perfect Magazine, Vogue Brazil, Harper’s Bazaar Brasil, and Elle Brasil. On the runway, she has walked for Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, and Miu Miu, and has collaborated with Dazed, Dior, YSL, Versace and many more. This is just the tip of her extensive and ever-growing portfolio.
Below, you can read highlights from our conversation — or visit our TikTok to watch the full video with Sheila.
What’s been the biggest “pinch-me” moment for you lately?
This will make me sound a little cliché, but I am a little bit cliché. Working with brands and people that I have only seen on my phone or on TV. The Walking Dead or Black Panther—imagine you have these huge references in your mind, but it’s so unreal to be with them, and then you wake up to an email saying that you've been confirmed for a job and you’re going to be with those people who you think are incredible and admire, because they are strong black women. It was an unreal feeling.
One thing people would be surprised to learn about you outside of modeling?
That I speak five languages. That I am a really, really good cook and I'm also a pretty great dancer.
What’s the best piece of advice someone has given to you during your modelling career?
When I had only modelled for three months, my booker said, “This industry can be really interesting, but it can also be really hard. It would be nice to start therapy,” and I started, and it changed my life.
What would you say to the younger version of yourself?
Learn how to say no, and learn how to tell people when they cross your limits. Don’t let yourself be disrespected just because you want to work with them again. I think the way you go home—if you don’t feel well within yourself—it’s not worth it, you know.
What exciting project or goals do you have coming up?
There is this project I have coming out in around a month. It’s an editorial that I’m really excited about, because it has a lot of movement, which is my favourite kind of editorial. I was able to do different movements with my body, which is my favourite thing in the fashion world: that you can create images and tell stories with your body.
