Andreja Pejic: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Beauty in Fashion

How Andreja Pejic overcame industry skepticism to become a pioneering transgender icon in fashion.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

How Andreja Pejic overcame industry skepticism to become a pioneering transgender icon in fashion.

Andreja Pejic is renowned for her groundbreaking presence in the modeling world, navigating her career as both a gender-fluid model and later as an openly transgender woman. Her journey, marked by both immense success and personal struggle, has challenged the traditional paradigms of beauty and representation in the fashion industry.

The Early Days: Androgyny and Success

Born in Bosnia and raised in Australia, Andreja Pejic became internationally recognized for her uniquely androgynous appeal. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, she modeled for elite designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs, appearing in both men’s and women’s clothing on global runways. Andreja defied categorization, challenging the sharply divided gender roles entrenched in fashion.

Pejic was celebrated for her ability to fluidly move between masculine and feminine aesthetics.
Her work generated both intrigue and controversy, often being at the center of conversations about gender norms and the limits of mainstream fashion.

Deciding to Transition: Courage and Conviction

Despite her androgynous success, Andreja longed for a more complete sense of self. She came out as a transgender woman, announcing her gender confirmation surgery in 2014. This decision, while deeply personal, was far from straightforward. Her choice to transition publicly set her on a collision course with some of the most powerful insiders in the industry.

Andreja revealed she had “dreamt of being a girl” since childhood, but pressures of the fashion world and personal uncertainty delayed her medical transition.
Her announcement marked a significant moment: she was one of the highest-profile models to openly share her transgender identity, becoming a role model for trans visibility worldwide.

Industry Pushback: Navigating Doubt and Stereotypes

While contemporary culture is making strides toward inclusivity, Pejic’s revelation was met with considerable skepticism within the fashion industry. Many insiders, including influential managers and creatives, openly warned her against transitioning. Their primary concern was that the unique “edge” she provided to the modeling world would disappear if she abandoned her androgynous persona.

Andreja was told, “You’re going to lose what’s special about you. You’re not going to be interesting anymore.”
Fashion insiders expressed fears that her desirability and commercial value would diminish post-transition, believing she would become “just another woman” who would not stand out among cisgender models.
Others cautioned it would end her career, with one ex-partner reportedly stating, “You won’t be special anymore. You’ll just be a woman who can’t have kids.” Andreja’s pointed response highlighted the reductionist thinking behind such comments: “Women are not baby machines. There’s a lot more to being a woman, so reducing them to that is quite disgusting.”

The Shifting Landscape of Representation

Despite the challenges, Pejic’s career did not stall. On the contrary, her transparency and advocacy catalyzed broader change. Within months of coming out, she became the first openly transgender model to be profiled in Vogue and soon returned to fashion weeks, walking exclusively as a woman and forging new paths for trans visibility in media and advertising.

Her landmark appearance in Vogue was widely heralded as a turning point in fashion’s engagement with transgender identity.
Andreja reflected, “Things are changing now, definitely. I’ve been lucky with how things have gone, and I do feel very welcomed. But there were trials and tribulations.”
She has been vocal about both the successes and the ongoing work necessary to fight transphobia and exclusion within and outside the industry.

Coming Out and Family Support

Andreja’s coming out story is deeply personal. Born as Andrej in Bosnia and immigrating to Australia at the age of 9, her early years were marked by feelings of otherness and alienation. She recalled wanting to dance in her mother’s skirt as a child, but societal norms and the expectations of her immigrant community forced her to “act as a boy.”

Her mother and family, although surprised, were supportive of her journey—an experience many transgender youth do not share.
The discovery of online communities and information was crucial: “The Internet gave me the sense that there were words to describe my feelings and medical terms,” she said.
Having been scouted as a male model at seventeen, Pejic was asked to put her transition on hold due to the lucrative opportunities her androgynous look afforded. Only later did she feel able to pursue her own happiness.

Documenting Transition: “Andrej(a)” and Advocacy

To share her experience with a broader audience, Andreja began work on a feature documentary titled Andrej(a), which chronicles her personal and professional transformation. The project, directed by Eric Miclette, highlights the realities of transitioning, the impact on relationships, and the ever-changing dynamics within fashion.

The film offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at both the personal risks and the professional hurdles faced during transition.
It underscores Andreja’s broader mission: to show the complexities of gender identity and promote trans acceptance through powerful storytelling.
According to Andreja, “It’s just important to know that we’re living in a great period where our stories are being told and representation is getting better, but it’s going to take more to improve people’s lives and change people’s lives.”

Facing Discrimination: Industry and Public Criticism

Pejic’s visibility has also made her a target for criticism and discrimination, from both inside and outside the fashion establishment. In one notorious incident, a fashion influencer publicly disparaged the idea of featuring transgender and gender nonconforming people in style campaigns, prompting Andreja to reflect on the progress and persistent ignorance in the industry.

She was subject to dismissive comments suggesting “a certain kind of censorship and refined culture is needed” to keep transgender models out of mainstream fashion.
Andreja responded by highlighting the evolution from 2012 to more recent years, remarking on the growing acceptance and representation trans models are experiencing.
She stresses the need for continued advocacy and active support of representation to dismantle entrenched bias.

Post-Transition Realities: Personal Growth and New Horizons

Beyond the headlines, Andreja Pejic describes her post-transition life as transformative. Her surgery, she reported, finally enabled her to feel “comfortable” in her own skin. The change, although physically and emotionally challenging, was ultimately empowering.

“Every day is like a new revelation. I’m more comfortable than ever,” she shared, emphasizing the freedom she now feels living authentically.
While her transition altered some professional opportunities, it also opened doors to advocacy, acting, and expanded her impact as an LGBTQ+ icon.

Challenging Gendered Expectations in Fashion

Pejic’s career trajectory personifies the ongoing challenge and potential for change within the modeling world. Fashion remains “creative” and “gay-friendly,” she notes, but often lacks true understanding of transgender experiences. The journey toward industry-wide acceptance and active inclusion is far from over.

She has called for more education and understanding at all levels of fashion, from casting directors and designers to media and audiences.
Pejic continues to advocate for models to be seen as people first, not just as symbols or spectacles of difference.

Legacy and Influence: Inspiring the Next Generation

Andreja’s story, as recounted in profiles, interviews, and future documentary projects, resonates with aspiring models, trans youth, and allies worldwide. By refusing to conform and remaining open about her struggles, she has helped widen the path for others like her.

She has become an enduring symbol of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.
Her continued activism seeks to secure both legal rights and cultural acceptance for transgender and gender diverse people in all spheres, not just fashion.
Pejic asserts that “representation is getting better,” but ongoing work is crucial to creating substantive, lasting change.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Year	Milestone
2010	Debuts as an androgynous model, walking for Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs.
2014	Comes out as transgender and announces gender confirmation surgery.
2015	First transgender woman to appear in Vogue.
Ongoing	Works on documentary Andrej(a) and continues advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility in media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How did Andreja Pejic begin her modeling career?

A: She was scouted in Australia at age 17, gaining fame for her androgynous look and versatility on the catwalk, modeling both mens- and womenswear for top designers.

Q: What was the industry’s reaction to Andreja’s transition?

A: Many industry insiders feared she would lose her “special” marketability and strongly discouraged her from transitioning, though she ultimately proved these concerns unfounded by thriving as a female model.

Q: Has Andreja Pejic faced discrimination since transitioning?

A: Yes, she has experienced public and professional criticism, but also substantial support and accolades for her advocacy, authenticity, and talent.

Q: What is the focus of her documentary, Andrej(a)?

A: The film explores her journey before and after transition, addressing both personal struggles and the modeling industry’s evolving attitudes toward transgender people.

Q: How does Andreja see her responsibility as a public figure?

A: She feels a deep responsibility to share her story and promote understanding of transgender identities, knowing that visibility can change lives and improve the world for future generations.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb