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Интервью с Андреем для Vangardist Magazin Issue 31:

31.01.2013 00:38 in Fassade

He is a model and she looks good

Andrej Pejic – Der Mann ohne Geschlecht
Text: Tamara Pichler
Photos: Elle
Photo Fitting: Tamara Pichler

There are men who look like women, and women who resemble men. But to be able to switch between the two on a whim, that's quite rare - and even more so in a model. We're talking about Andrej Pejic: long blond hair, smooth white porcelain skin, seductive lips that are shown off skilfully, tall and incredibly slender. It's almost unbelievable that such a face should belong to a young man. If there's someone who debunks gender as a mere cultural technique, it's Andrej Pejic. We met him for a chat at the opening of the new Ordinary flagship store in the Austrian town of Parndorf in November. When we asked him to describe himself in five words his reply was: "Uh... funny, political, inquisitive, crazy and... slut!"

He's a bright one, that Pejic - which makes you think that it might not just have been his androgynous looks that made the fashion world fall for the Bosnian-born beauty from Melbourne. In 2011 he walked for Gaultier at the Paris Fashion Week, for both his men's and women's collection, and also Michalsky booked him as a male and female model. And these two are not the only two designers who are crazy about Andrej, who's doing one modelling job after another. It's hard to believe that Andrej's career began while selling vegetables in a market, where he was discovered by a model scout. Or was it maybe at an airport somewhere? And was there ever a model scout? Until today, Andrej is very cagey about his modelling beginnings, and likes to confuse journalists by regularly changing his answers to this question. So we don't really want to insist: after all, there are more important questions to be asked. For example, what did he do with his very first model paycheck?

"Uh... I have to think about it. I think it was a pair of Givenchy shoes, which actually cost the whole salary."

And of course, we should also mention that in 2011 he was voted Number 98 in British FHM's list of the "100 sexiest women", one place ahead of Lady Gaga! At only 21, it's fair to say this guy is setting completely new gender standards! Because the female role is not just part of his modelling job, he also lives in both genders in his private life. In public he dresses as a man just as often as he'll appear as a woman, meaning that when he fancies a dress and high heels he'll go for that, and when his testosterone kicks in, he'll throw on a pair of trousers. Maybe one reason why Lady Gaga happily gave up her place for him is that Andrej loves to mystify which gender he associates with most strongly, but always stays true to himself. The fact is, he lives and breathes fashion, and maybe it's just a matter of time before "Pejic Fashion" sends men in women's clothing and women clad in men's attire onto the runway?

"I'm interested in design and I'm hoping to sell a T-shirt collection soon."

... is his comment on this question. He also seems to be quite taken by the Austrian fashion scene.

"I love it. It's actually my second time here. I was here last year and walked for the Vienna Fashion Week. I'm a big fan. Austrian fashion is good, because it breaks its minimalism and utility and arouses curiosity and modernity. I like simple but good things."

Does he see any differences between the American and European scenes?
"Europeans are a little more urban-minded, I would say. The fashion here, I think, is better overall compared to America. But you know, I think Vienna - besides it's smaller than New York - this city is very forward. And very slutty and mean!"

Anyone inclined to think that Andrej is just another drag queen is utterly mistaken. Drag queens have to paint on a mask of mascara and rouge before they feel like a woman, while Andrej's all about natural beauty. There's hardly a trace of make-up on his face, and his lips are eye-catching even without gaudy lipstick on. Andrej doesn't want to be a woman, he wants to be and combine both genders, because he feels that one is not enough! And it seems like the fashion world agrees with him on that. How could they not? After all, we're all shaped and influenced by both genders and their attributes.

To go one step further, to be a little bolder, a bit more, to create something new - but of course, with a great deal of elegance - to do away with gender mainstreaming: is that what Andrej Pejic is after? Decadence in a positive, progressive sense? And of course, we're wondering, is Andrej Pejic the vanguard of future gender-neutral models, or will he remain the extravagant exception? Well we'll have to wait a while for the answer to that one, but either way, Andrej has great plans for his own future:

"Well, I'm hoping to come up with a sex-tape, followed by a reality TV show. (lacht) No, well, we'll see! I'm exploring things beyond modelling. I wanna do fashion for as long as I can. Who knows, maybe I'll end up on TV or something like that."
Andrej Pejic was born in Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina and grew up in Melbourne. At the moment he lives in New York and is in a relationship with ADEEN designer Duran Rembrandt, who explicitly refers to Andrej as "she". Andrej Pejic is represented by Flair Modelmanagement.
Artikel im Magazin lesen

www.vangardist.com/en/magazin/he-model-and-she-...

Andrej Pejic in Vangardist Magazin Issue 31 February 2013