From Zanzibar’s narrow streets to the world Stage: The Journey of Model Zara Bedel Said

Unguja. From the vibrant, narrow streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar to the prestigious runways of Milan, Paris, and New York, Zuhura (Zara) Bedel Said has become synonymous with grace, elegance, and determination in the world of fashion.

Born in Mkunazini, Unguja, Zanzibar, Zara's journey to international stardom is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative potential of self-belief.

Zara's early life was marked by a solid education and an early desire to explore the world beyond her surroundings in Zanzibar. It was her ambition to join the aviation industry that led her to train at the Cape Town Flight Training Centre, followed by studies at the Zanzibar Institute of Tourism and Airline, specializing in front office operations.

Zara’s educational background, with its diverse focus on tourism and aviation, laid a foundation that would later serve her well, even as she ventured into a completely different career path.

But as fate would have it, Zara’s life was about to take a dramatic turn.

The spark

In 2014, while Zara was still pursuing her career in aviation, an unexpected encounter with Farouque Abdela, a renowned Zanzibari fashion designer, changed the course of her life.

It was in the bustling streets of Zanzibar that Farouque first noticed Zara, captivated by her unique beauty and poise. Recognizing her potential as a model, Farouque offered Zara guidance and mentorship, believing she could make a significant mark in the haute-couture world.

"Farouque saw something in me that I hadn't seen in myself," Zara recalls. "His belief in me, coupled with his vast experience in the fashion world, opened doors I never thought possible."

With his mentorship, Zara transitioned from the aviation world to modeling, quickly making a name for herself on the local scene.

Modeling debut

Zara’s modeling debut came in 2013, when she walked the runway at the Zanzibar Fashion Week, showcasing designs from 14 African designers.

Her graceful stride and magnetic presence caught the eye of industry insiders, and by the end of the year, she had earned the prestigious title of ‘Face of Zanzibar’ at the same event.

"Walking for Zanzibar Fashion Week felt like a dream," Zara says, reflecting on her first steps into the modeling world. "It was overwhelming but also incredibly exciting to see how far my passion could take me."

Her early success didn’t stop there. Zara’s talent and growing recognition in the local fashion scene led her to pursue international opportunities, and in 2015, she took part in the Miss Universe pageant, where she made her mark as the third runner-up.

This exposure to international audiences set the stage for Zara’s next big leap: a move to China to compete in the Miss Tourism pageant in 2016, further solidified her position as a rising star in the global fashion world.

From Zanzibar to the World

Zara’s breakthrough moment came during her time working as a flight attendant for Tropical Air, a Tanzanian airline. On one of her flights, Zara caught the attention of an Italian fashion scout, Carolina Canetti, who immediately recognized her potential.

Zara was soon signed by Fashion Model Management in Italy, one of the top modeling agencies in the country.

From that moment, Zara’s career skyrocketed. She graced the runways for some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Adidas, Karl Lagerfeld, and Tiger of Sweden. She also appeared in prestigious international magazines such as Vogue Arabia, Marie Claire, Elle, and Max Mara, to name a few.

"Being able to work with such incredible brands and be featured in magazines that I had always admired was a surreal experience," Zara says.

"I never imagined that a girl from Zanzibar would one day be featured in global publications like Vogue."

A strong presence in fashion capitals

Zara’s success on the international stage was not by chance. She quickly caught the eye of major modeling agencies around the world, which helped her solidify her place in the global fashion industry.

In Sweden, Zara signed with MIKAs Stockholm, one of the top modeling agencies in the country, known for its ability to spot and nurture extraordinary talent. Her collaboration with MMG Models in Dubai allowed her to tap into the Middle Eastern market, while her representation by FIRST Model Management in the UK further expanded her global reach.

Zara’s most recent partnership with Women 360 Paris, an agency known for its influence in the fashion world, has allowed her to carve out a space in the fashion capital itself, Paris.

"I feel incredibly lucky to be represented by such esteemed agencies," Zara says. "They’ve provided me with opportunities to grow as a model and to work with some of the biggest names in fashion."

A role model for young women

Beyond her stunning career, Zara has become a role model for young women, particularly in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Her rise to international fame serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, talent, and the right mentorship, anything is possible.

"I want to show young women in Zanzibar and across Tanzania that they can dream big and achieve greatness," Zara says. "If I can make it from the streets of Zanzibar to the runways of Milan, they can do anything too."

As Zara continues to expand her career, she remains committed to giving back to her community. She is passionate about supporting young women in Tanzania, particularly those who aspire to pursue careers in the creative industries.

"Fashion is more than just clothes or beauty; it’s about empowerment," Zara explains. "I want to be part of a movement that encourages young people, especially women, to chase their dreams and create opportunities for themselves."

Zara's journey from Zanzibar to international modeling is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a story of resilience, ambition, and the power of mentorship.