Andreja Pejić has not only made history as the first transgender fashion model to land a spread in Vogue, but she’s also the first transgender model to front a major beauty campaign, thanks to Make Up For Ever.
The Aussie beauty has opened up about her new endeavour, being transgender in the fashion industry, and even shared some sage advice for Caitlyn Jenner.
Andreja couldn’t be more excited to be breaking barriers with the Make Up For Ever campaign, telling People, “Landing a cosmetics contract is a huge deal for any model – it’s sort of the Oscars of the fashion world.”
But this isn’t any cosmetics contract. It’s one that reinforces a message which Anrdreja closely identifies with. “This is a brand that matches what I’ve tried to portray in my career: the message has always been about being okay to be yourself and living a truthful life, being able to express yourself. It’s okay to be different,” she explained.
Consdering it’s been a big week for the transgender community, the trailblazer also shared her thoughts on Caitlyn’s jaw-dropping reveal. “I think she’s doing a pretty good job. I think she looks beautiful,” she told Fashionista.
The 23-year-old model also offered up some wise advice for Caitlyn on her new journey. “You’re going to make mistakes. It’s all fun, it’s part of being a girl and trying new things,” she said.
Reflecting on the responses she received after coming out as transgender, she revealed, “They told me I wouldn’t have a future after I transitioned or that trans women can’t be respected as models. I feel like I’ve proven those people wrong.”
Not only has she proved the naysayers wrong, but she has spearheaded part of the recent cultural shift on some views of the transgender community.
We support her 100 per cent. It is time for our society to not only educate, but encourage healthy conversation on the topic. Keep up the amazing work, Andreja. We couldn’t be more proud.
[Via People, Fashionista]
