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.
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FILM CREDITS
Edited by Michelle Wang
Narration by Annalisa Astarita
Original Story by Sophie Burrell, Aikta Jarrah
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