5 Transgender Icons Who Are Changing The Face Of Fashion

A makeup artist appliedeye-shadow on Anjali Lama at Lakme Fashion week in Mumbai, India, Feb. 1, 2017. PHOTO: RAFIQ MAQBOOL/ASSOCIATED PRESS

We’ve become so accustomed to putting things into neat, tidy and definable boxes that we don’t spare even the human race out. We’re always more concerned about people’s parts more than the sum, and even if the parts are fine but the sum is trashy, we accept it (if you know what I mean).

However, gone are the days when transgender humans would sit back home, behind closed doors and cry on their fate. Taking matters into their own hands and waving the LGBT flag high, present-day transgender icons and models are setting new standards, breaking the stereotypes and paving way for the celebration of human diversity in this millennial generation. From fashion to writing, art, comedy, business and a lot more, these men and women have proved that there’s nothing a transgender cannot do. Call them flawless or overachieving, but they’re successful in their own right. After all, who says that you cannot write your own destiny?

Scroll up to find some serious life inspo from people who had a hard time being accepted by the society.

  1. Andreja Pejic, 25

If at the beginning of my career in the modelling industry or half way through it or even this time last year you told me that I would end up having a 4 page feature in AMERICAN VOGUE I would have probably told you ‘oh I dunno about that! That might be a bit difficult to achieve in the near future.’ In fact I was told by various people many times over that the chances of me ending up on these pages were slim to none. So you can only imagine what I’m feeling right now! Thank you #AnnaWintour, #TonneGoodman, #PatrickDemarchelier and #HelenaSuric for making history and having me be part of it but even more importantly for representing a whole social minority and an often forgotten community of women in such an important publication and opening doors for the rest of the fashion industry to do so! Thank you to my agency @thesocietynyc for being the most supportive agency in the world and pulling off the amazing come back! 😍 Hair by @shayashual Makeup by #Yadim @Voguemagazine Link in my bio! #historicalmoment #blessed #freedom #everybodycomeout #bestrong #befierce #beyou

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Andreja Pejic is accustomed to stares and flashes as she walks down the ramp, with her crystal-cut cheekbones radiating all through. People shoot her concealed glances and sneak phone pics, but she takes it in her walk. It’s hard to blame them. From gracing the catwalks at Marc Jacobs to Jean-Paul Gaultier, fronting covers of magazines like New York, to becoming one of the first transgender models to be reported by Vogue, Andreja has everything going on for herself. Soon she’ll be shooting a documentary on her life story.

  1. Hari Nef, 24

The latest ‘IT’ girl to take the modelling world by storm, Hari Nef is the ultimate definition of #girlboss. She made major buzz when major modelling agency, IMG confirmed the news of signing her. This American beauty walks into the studio like she owns the place and the rent is overdue. Apart from setting her mark in the modelling industry, she is also an accomplished writer.

  1. Anjali Lama, 32

Flaunting @gauravguptaofficial #tb #backstage #vogueatelier Pictures courtesy @pemanervo

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With her mile-long legs and well-defined cheekbones, Lama walks like she owns the room. This Nepalese beauty sent major waves when she became the first transgender to walk the ramp for Lakme Fashion Week, Mumbai. Being brought up in a farmer’s family, Lama’s journey to the ramp was a tough but rewarding one. According to her, love is something she is looking forward to but only with a person who matches her courage.

  1. Lea T., 34

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Life is a catwalk for Lea and we’re all here to watch her slay. This Brazil-born, Italy-raised model has become one of the most noticed trans faces in the international fashion industry. She is one of the leading models of Italy, and was also listed by Forbes’ under “12 Women Who Have Changed Italian Fashion.”

  1. Carmen Carrera, 31

A model, an actress, a burlesque performer and an American Reality TV personality, Carmen came to be known through her appearance as a contestant in the RuPaul’s Drag Race. Later on, she also transitioned into the fashion world and become an outspoken activist for trans gender’s rights.

 

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