Andrej Pejic

Marc Jacobs, Carine Roitfeld, John Galliano, Raf Simons, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vogue, Numero, Elle, W—every aspiring female model dreams of working with such high-profile designers and magazines. Enter Andrej Pejic, who’s done all that and more.

And Pejic is transgendered.

Pejic for Dossier Journal

S/he’s often described as an “anti-establishment” figure among fashion folk. Perhaps that’s because Pejic is the first male-to-female model to ever walk a couture show. Or perhaps it’s because Pejic famously said, “I’m just a silly Caucasian girl who likes to play with samurai swords.” 

Pejic walking the SS 2011 J.P.G show

"I would like to live in a world where your gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and, above all, financial
status didn't affect the opportunities you are given in life, the way you're treated by others, and your overall freedom."   —Andrej Pejic, quoted in OUT

Born in war-torn Bosnia, Pejic and family immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in the 1990s. The six-foot-tall model was eventually discovered, of all places, manning the cash at McDonald’s (pun intended). By June 2010, during the Paris men’s shows, people started taking notice of Pejic, asking, “Who’s that blonde girl?” (WWD).

In January the next year, the model walked for Jean Paul Gaultier in his men's show and became the designer’s muse—an unparalleled honour in the fashion industry. Later in 2011, OUT named Pejic as one of the most compelling people of the year.

Karolina Kurkova and Andrej Pejic for J.P.G.

Pejic (right) for Numéro

Pejic for Dazed & Confused

Now the model’s sculptured, androgynous face can be seen all over the world. So, I put the question out there: Is the fashion industry forever changed by gender-benders like Pejic, or is androgyny simply another fad? Judging by the newfound celebrity of Bryan Boy and Saskia de Brauw, the Pejics of the world just might have a fashion future.

Check out Pejic in David Bowie's music video, "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)."