In 2019, the world was introduced to a deeply personal and transformative cinematic work titled Andrej(a): The Documentary, directed by Eric Miclette. This film chronicles the life and career of Andreja Pejic, an iconic model and actress whose path from androgynous fame to transgender visibility made waves in both the fashion and entertainment industries.
Through this documentary, Pejic, who transitioned from presenting as a male model to embracing her identity as a woman, offers an intimate glimpse into her life before and after undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Born as Andrej Pejic on August 28, 1991, in Tuzla, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina), Andreja's life has been marked by a series of challenges and triumphs that reflect broader struggles of gender identity, societal acceptance, and the quest for self-understanding. She rose to fame for modeling both male and female clothing, defying the traditional gender norms that often constrain the fashion world. After undergoing surgery, Pejic transitioned to exclusively modeling in women's fashion, but her journey wasn't without its complications and contradictions, as explored in the documentary.
Andreja Pejic's early life was shaped by significant upheaval. Her family, which includes her mother, Jadranka Savić, a Serb, and her father, Vlado Pejić, a Bosnian Croat, was torn apart by the violence of the Bosnian War. After her parents' divorce, Andreja and her older brother Igor fled to Serbia, where they lived in a refugee camp near Belgrade. Their lives eventually took them to a small village in Serbia, where they spent several years before relocating to Australia in 2000 when Andreja was eight years old. The move was prompted by fears for their safety after the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. The Pejic family settled in Melbourne, Victoria, as political refugees. Growing up in Australia, Andreja was recognized for her academic brilliance, excelling in her studies at University High School. Her formative years, however, were also marked by a growing awareness of her gender identity, which would eventually propel her into the spotlight.
Andreja's modeling career began almost serendipitously. Just before her 17th birthday, she was discovered while working at a McDonald's in Melbourne. She later mentioned in interviews that she was also scouted at a swimming pool. Initially, she gained attention for her ability to model both men's and women's clothing. Her striking appearance, with delicate features that blurred gender lines, quickly caught the eye of major designers and fashion houses. One of her most notable moments came in January 2011 during Paris Fashion Week, where she walked in both men's and women's shows for Jean-Paul Gaultier. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as it marked a moment when gender fluidity was allowed to take center stage in a traditionally rigid industry.
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In the same year, Pejic appeared on the cover of Dossier Journal, which ignited a public debate after U.S. bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders covered the magazine’s image due to concerns about its perceived risqué nature. The image depicted Andreja, with long, blonde curls and a sensual pose, raising questions about her gender identity and the public's discomfort with ambiguity. Pejic's work during this period also included notable runway appearances, such as at the Stylenite in 2011, where she modeled both masculine and feminine clothing. She went on to work with top-tier designers and appeared in high-profile editorials for magazines like Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and GQ. Despite her early success, Andreja faced backlash and prejudice in the media. In 2011, she was ranked number 98 on FHM's list of the "100 Sexiest Women in the World," an accolade that was met with harsh criticism for its dismissive tone toward transgender individuals. The publication referred to her as a "thing," a remark that sparked controversy. FHM later issued an apology and removed the offensive commentary.
The documentary Andrej(a): The Documentary delves into Andreja's deeply personal decision to transition. In 2013, she came out as a transgender woman, marking a significant moment in both her life and career. As one of the most prominent transgender models in the world, Andreja's transition was both a public and private journey. She faced the challenges of navigating a career that had initially been built on a gender-fluid persona, while also embracing a new chapter as a woman. Following her transition, Andreja exclusively worked in women's fashion, but the path was not always smooth.
The documentary explores the complexities of her new identity, both in the modeling industry and in her personal life. The film captures her struggles with societal acceptance and misunderstanding, as well as the triumphs that come with finding authenticity. Her story became a beacon of hope and empowerment for many in the LGBTQ+ community. In 2015, Andreja became the first openly transgender model to be profiled by Vogue, a milestone in the industry's slow but steady progress toward inclusion. The same year, she made history by becoming the first transgender woman to sign a major cosmetics contract. This paved the way for even more groundbreaking achievements, such as becoming the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of GQ in 2017 and winning the award for Best International Female Model in 2016.
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In 2013, Andreja expanded her creative horizons by delving into acting. She appeared alongside Iselin Steiro, Saskia de Brauw, Tilda Swinton, and David Bowie in the music video for Bowie's single "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)." Later that year, she made her acting debut in the Turkish television series Fatih, portraying the character Radu the Beautiful in a show inspired by the life of Mehmed the Conqueror. Andreja's acting career continued to blossom, with her major film debut coming in the 2018 thriller The Girl in the Spider's Web. She also appeared in numerous short films and features, most notably playing the supporting role of Nino in the 2022 film The Other Me. After filming The Other Me, Andreja took a brief hiatus from acting and worked as a waitress in Santa Fe, seeking a more grounded experience and a break from her fast-paced, globe-trotting career. Reflecting on this time, she expressed a desire to explore the human condition and experience a "normal" life, free from the constant pressure of public scrutiny.
Andrej(a): The Documentary is more than just a chronicle of Andreja Pejic's life and career; it is a story of courage, transformation, and resilience. It sheds light on the personal struggles and societal challenges faced by transgender individuals, while celebrating Andreja's remarkable achievements as a trailblazer in the fashion and entertainment industries. The documentary serves as a testament to the importance of authenticity and the ongoing journey toward acceptance and understanding, both for Andreja herself and for the wider world. Through her story, we see the power of embracing one's true identity and the profound impact it can have on inspiring change.
Image credits: YouTube
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