After making her start as a high-fashion androgynous model, Australian Andreja Pejic has become one of the most talked about transgender models of today and continues to smash gender barriers, paving the way for more diversity in the future.
In an era that doesn’t seem to be shaped by traditional constraints, diversification is flooding the industry and Pejic is certainly a face at the forefront. Andreja Pejic was born in Bosnia-Herzegovina on the 28th of August 1991 and was originally known to her Bosnian parents as Andre.
Her grandmother, divorced mother, and older brother fled their home country and migrated to Melbourne after deciding that their living situation during the Bosnian War was unsafe. She was discovered flipping burgers at McDonalds at 16, Pejic soon became a star. Always being one to test gender boundaries, Pejic started off modelling for Jean- Paul Gaultier in both women’s and men’s shows and shortly after was appearing in men’s shows for Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Pejic’s name and success skyrocketed months after appearing on the runways and was soon seen on magazine covers all over the world. But like many of her transgender counterparts, her career was not without some struggles. Her name was synonymous with controversy in 2011 for her cover for New York magazine, Dossier Journal, because the cover featured a luscious-haired blonde Pejic removing her top. Because she was considered as ‘transitioning’ at the time, the cover was deemed too risqué for certain bookstores in the States.
The following year was easier for the young trans-supermodel as her sex-change was openly discussed and applauded more than criticised. OUT Magazine named her as one of their 100 Most Compelling People of 2011, and this became one of many awards she was recognised for. After overcoming many obstacles that normally wouldn’t have been a problem for the traditional model, Pejic’s beauty and talent proved itself. She began receiving opportunities to model for the likes of Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott and even DKNY.
BLUE STEEL NEW NETFLIX FILM SERIES
In this Netflix Original Series presented by Male Supermodel David Gandy we explore the emergence of a new kind of God, with the rise of the male Supermodel. Whatʼs the recipe for a male Supermodel ? A dash of charm, 5% body fat and shredded muscles, a boatload of raw sex appeal, and a decent sprinkle of really good luck.
The ensemble cast of Blue Steel have that something special that has allowed them to stand toe to toe in an industry dominated by the Glamazons of the opposite sex. They are trailblazers and trendsetters. They have both set and broken records for their sex in the business. Most of whom fell into the industry quite by accident, theyʼve left some deep imprints along the way, altering the perception of male beauty standards.
The men depicted within this series have more than their faces on billboards, and names sewn into the fabric of brands. They have built legends and left legacies, and itʼs precisely why they deserve to be called ‘Supermodelsʼʼ just like their famous female counterparts.
A New Netflix Original Series, Presented by David Gandy Featuring the lives and legends of :
John Pearson
Mark Vanderloo
Markus Schenkenberg
Tyson Beckford
Tony Ward
Travis Fimmel
Nacho Figueras
Werner Schreyer
Alex Lundqvist
Andreja Peyjic
And of course
David Gandy David
FILM CREDITSÂ
Edited by Michelle Wang
Narration by Annalisa Astarita
Original Story by Sophie Burrell, Aikta Jarrah
Subscribe to FIB’s newsletter for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!
