LARA MARA SHEILA

@melaninqueensonly. @melanin.art. @melanin.feed. @melanin_goddess. @melaninmakeupdaily.

The amount of Instagram pages with the word, “melanin” embedded somewhere in their handle has to officially be at its highest. The idea of having melanin has become a glorious attribution of worship with the black girls now being appreciated for the colour of their skin whereas in the past they were looked down upon for it. Now that is lovely, and we definitely do appreciate but where’s the clout for those who medically should have melanin but don’t? Do they fit the mark? Are they… beautiful? What platform is there for them that celebrates this deficiency?

 Albinism is the term given when faulty genes create an absolute lack of the colour pigment – melanin – the very element that makes a person black. Most people with albinism are born with pale skin, hair and eyes and whitish hair.

We came across the powerful trio: Lara, Mara and Sheila on Instagram and we want to use our voice to shine a light on the movement they are making in the creative industry. Hailing from Brazil, these sisters are letting off sparks within fashion and we’re scared to get burned!!!

Twins, Lara and Mara both have albinism. They’ve joined forces with their older sister Sheila, who does not have the condition to create and artistic movement that not only is aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also creates awareness about a subject that is so profusely ignored.

As opposed to letting albinism imprison them into a cell of unacceptance, self-pity and insecurity, these girls have used their biological difference to create a difference. At such a young age, these girls have created their own lane that is far from the fixed categories of beauty.

"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."

Spotting their potential, photographer Vinicius Terranova included the sisters in his personal project

Flores Raras (Rare Flowers) which commemorated the splendour and diversity of black skin and “blackness” as an identity and race.

Being an eccentric being in the year 2018 is not an undesirable attribute in contrast to what modern culture conditions us to think. It’s somewhat satisfying to see the fashion world gradually opening its narrow and stubborn arms to those who do fit the conventional fashion norm and making them more inclusive. Shaun D Ross and Diandra Forrest are two models who have also defied the fashion rules and have used their albinism to create unparalleled works of art with simply just their looks.

They have wholesomely and unapologetically disturbed the world of fashion with their eye looks and Lara and Mara are following close by with their sister.

What makes Lara and Mara’s movement even stronger is the inclusion of their older sister Sheila. Sheila skin looks like chocolate, almost edible and this contrast created in their images, with their pale white skin against Sheila’s dark intensively melanated skin screams distinction, screams rarity, screams change. Their pictures come alive with the confidence and passion caught with just a camera. Their work is more than just mere photography and the girls themselves are more than just models. They’re game-changers.

Atypical Magazine exists for the kind of message that this trio are expressing to the world. Unity, fearlessness and drive are just a few words that come to mind when thinking of them. This is why we celebrate Lara, Mara and Sheila… not just for the colour of their skin, but for them.