Andrej Pejic

By Karli Smith

I'm completely envious of a 188cm (6' 2"), platinum blonde haired model with a 71cm (28") waist, whose lifestyle is one of living and breathing fashion.

Is my envy misdirected, as the said model is a guy?

When I first heard him described, the image of a stunning life-size barbie doll, one who struts the glitter lined catwalk at a Victoria's Secret show or a classy model on the high couture runways of Milan and Paris initially come to mind.

The model I am talking about however, is a male and a relative newcomer to the fashion scene. He has become the It boy ever since the fashion industry began wondering who that blonde girl was?

Let me introduce to you 19 year old Serbian-Australian, poster boy for the androgynous, Andrej Pejic. Born in Tulza, Bosnia, to a Croatian father and a Serbian mother, Pejic, at 9 years age, and his family escaped the war ravaged region and came to Melbourne, Australia (Broadmeadows to be exact) as refugees.

With his long, platinum blonde hair and feminine features Pejic caught the attention of the high fashion world. Everyone from designers to photographers are wanting a piece of this male model wonder.

Pejic was cast in two Spring 2011 ad campaigns from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier and found himself posing alongside Czech supermodel, Karolina Kurkova.

It was at the Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2011 Men's Show that Pejic made his first appearance on the international catwalk scene. It was at this time whispers about his gender began circulating. That same season, Pejic appeared in fashion shows for John Galliano, Paul Smith and Raf Simons. To add to his runway success, Pejic was then featured in an editorial for Vogue Paris. He has been photographed by some of the biggest names in the business, including Mert & Marcus, Steven Meisel and Juergen Teller. Recently, Pejic returned home to appear at the opening of Myer's Melbourne refurbished flagship store.

When he was interviewed at the event, Pejic reportedly said he is proud of his working class background and that his story is definitely not one of rags to riches. He stated that he grew up in a different world to places like New York and London and, although he referred to Broadmeadows as a working-class suburb, he saw no shame in it and declared it as "definitely home".

Pejic's started at Chadwicks Models two years ago in an attempt to earn some pocket money. He wasn't focused on modelling a career but, in his words, "it just sort of happened". His plan now is to go overseas to further his career as the Australian market is limited, especially for someone of Pejic's persona.

Even though Pejic began emphasising his androgynous look at 14 years of age, he managed to avoid the inevitable bullying in his school years at West Meadows Primary and University High School. He stated that people find it really surprising he was able to escape any nasty backlash as a young boy and he believes society may not be as close minded as so many people are believed to think.

So what next for Andrej Pejic? He has a new editorial spread planned for the Spring 2011 issue of Polish fashion magazine Viva! Moda, aptly called Mr. Unisex. The eight page feature sees him with glittery nails his hair ends dyed a pale aquamarine. Pejic will be showcased in outfits such as bleach splashed denim and a feathered overcoat.

He has the dream to appear in a music clip for Lady Gaga and is musing the possibility of a life on the big or silver screen. But for now Pejic says he is, "just enjoying the ride".

More articles by Karli Smith

1. Anitra Metzler - Designer
2. Four Ingredients: Series 2 - DVD Review
3. Andrej Pejic: Australian Male Model
4. Evil Twin Fashion