Released in 2017, Made to Model: Trans Beauty in Fashion stands as a groundbreaking documentary, capturing a pivotal moment in the fashion world. Directed by Drew Elliott, this unique film highlights the journey of transgender models and the ways in which they’ve transformed the industry. The documentary is an intimate exploration of how emerging models today interact with the trailblazers who paved the way for their success. With a focus on the intersection of gender, beauty, and fashion, Made to Model paints an empowering picture of the trans community's influence and presence in an industry that has historically been slow to accept them.
.jpg)
The film brings together iconic trans models like Tracey Africa Norman, Lauren Foster, and Crimsona Kaiser, alongside newer faces such as Carmen Carrera, Leyna Bloom, Maya Mones, Leyna Ramous, Rain Dove, and Torraine Futurum. These models, representing both the pioneering and emerging waves of trans visibility, come together for a one-of-a-kind photoshoot that celebrates the diverse, evolving nature of gender identity in fashion. Geena Rocero, one of the central figures in the documentary, serves as the anchor for the narrative, bridging the past and present of trans representation in the industry. She reflects on her own personal journey with great vulnerability, revealing the intense emotional weight that comes with being a trailblazer in an industry that often marginalizes those who don't conform to traditional notions of gender. Throughout the documentary, Rocero emphasizes the importance of collective support among the models, stating that their gathering and shared experience is something “that has never happened before,” highlighting the love and empowerment that they bring to the space, both as individuals and as a community.
The documentary pays special tribute to the earlier generations of trans models, who often faced immense discrimination and barriers to their success. These pioneers are portrayed not just as models, but as revolutionaries within a system that was, at best, indifferent and, at worst, openly hostile to their existence. Tracey Africa Norman, often regarded as the first Black trans supermodel, shares her early experiences in the fashion industry, revealing the casual cruelty that accompanied her ascent. She recalls how she was “outed by my own people, my own race, and outed by the gay community,” showcasing the harsh reality of transphobia within even the communities that were supposed to be her support network. Her experience on set - being misgendered and dismissed in front of cameras - highlights the ever-present battle against erasure and discrimination that trans models like her faced.
Lauren Foster, another trailblazer in the documentary, offers a different perspective on the challenges faced by trans individuals in the fashion industry. Foster started her modeling career even before undergoing gender-affirming surgery, with a look that was more gender-neutral than traditionally feminine. Her journey is marked by moments of both rejection and acceptance, as she explains, “Mine said Vogue Model was a myth,” referring to how her own image was once sold without her consent, and how her early career was shaped by the limitations and missteps of a less inclusive fashion world. Despite these struggles, she remained resilient, and her success in the industry was a testament to the power of persistence and the changing tides within fashion.
Crimsona Kaiser’s story is equally illuminating. She recalls the early days of her modeling career, including a memorable experience in which she was forced to hide certain physical features to “pass” as a woman. Her first job in Hawaii, posing topless for postcards and calendars, marked the start of her international career. But as she moved to Europe, she quickly learned the harsh realities of being a trans model in an industry that often only accepted her if she conformed to rigid expectations of beauty and femininity. Kaiser’s reflections, filled with both humor and regret, underscore the often painful journey that trans models have faced in carving out space for themselves in mainstream fashion.
While the pioneers of the trans modeling movement share their stories of struggle, the documentary also focuses on the newer generation of models, who are benefiting from the groundwork laid by their predecessors. These models - Carmen Carrera, Leyna Bloom, Maya Mones, Leyna Ramous, and others - have risen to prominence in a more accepting, though still imperfect, fashion world. Carmen Carrera, known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, speaks candidly about the pressures of being a trans woman in a highly visible public sphere. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing both her public persona and her private journey, noting how people sometimes call her “too cis-normative,” a term that highlights the tension between society’s expectations and her own sense of self. Despite the struggles, Carrera emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance, stating that she wishes she had been proud of her identity earlier in life.
Leyna Bloom, a trailblazer in her own right, recalls how seeing trans models in media and fashion had a profound impact on her own sense of possibility. She reflects on the importance of role models, especially when one is young and unsure of how to navigate the complexities of gender identity. Bloom states, “It was like taking your time, and I was just like, this is what it's about.” She draws inspiration from figures like Beyoncé, who, in her own way, challenges societal norms and empowers others to embrace their authentic selves. Maya Mones, similarly, draws strength from the icons who shaped her understanding of what it means to be a trans woman. She sees herself as part of a larger legacy of “revolutionary, radical, Black, queer women” who have defied convention and created space for new identities to flourish. Rain Dove, a non-binary model who is often mistaken for a male, also shares their experiences with transphobia in the fashion industry.
They recount the discomfort and confusion they feel when cast in traditionally gendered roles, such as the time they were mistakenly cast in a men’s Calvin Klein underwear show. Their narrative highlights the complications of being non-binary and the challenges of navigating an industry that insists on strict gender distinctions. Rain Dove’s insights reinforce the notion that trans beauty is not a monolithic experience, but rather a diverse spectrum of identities and expressions. Torraine Futurum, a rising star in the trans modeling world, shares their experiences with the behind-the-scenes messiness of the fashion industry. They reflect on the pressure of maintaining a glamorous exterior while dealing with the often overwhelming and difficult realities of the modeling world. Despite the challenges, Futurum expresses gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had, recognizing the difficulties that many other trans models face when trying to break into the industry.
.jpg)
The photoshoot that serves as the documentary’s centerpiece is more than just a glamorous display of beauty. It is a powerful symbol of solidarity and strength, where models from different generations come together to celebrate each other and their shared experiences. As Geena Rocero notes, “The room is just going to be so filled with love,” a sentiment that underscores the importance of this moment in the broader cultural conversation about trans visibility and acceptance. The shoot is a collaboration between the networks Logo, VH1, and MTV, bringing together mainstream platforms to celebrate trans beauty and disrupt the conventional narrative of what beauty should look like. Drew Elliott, the creative director behind the project, states that the goal was to “introduce these amazing trans women to the world,” and to use the visual language of fashion to challenge preconceived notions about gender and identity. By showcasing these models in all their glory, the project serves as a direct challenge to the fashion industry’s historical neglect and marginalization of trans people.
Made to Model: Trans Beauty in Fashion is not just a documentary; it is a celebration of the resilience, beauty, and power of trans women in the fashion industry. It highlights the significant progress that has been made while acknowledging the ongoing struggles that still exist for trans models. As these models continue to challenge norms, break barriers, and inspire future generations, the documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion. By bringing together these diverse voices and stories, Made to Model reinforces the idea that fashion, at its best, is a platform for disruption, empowerment, and self-expression. It celebrates not only the beauty of trans models but also the radical and transformative power of embracing one’s true self.
Image credits: YouTube
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment