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The fashion world is an ever-changing space, defining the standards of beauty and gender. Up until recently, it was a predominantly cisgender (and white) space. But in the past few years, there has been an explosion of trans and non-binary models of every gender expression, size, and color.
Representation matters and the recent swell of transgender models who have ascended to front cover status is mirrored in the increasing acceptance we are finding in society at large.
If you’re intrigued to learn who’s who in the transgender modeling world, here is a list of the top 17 trans models working in the industry today.
1. Casil McArthur
Casil started his modeling career very young, at the age of ten. But he always struggled with his gender identity. When he was 17, he began his transition and has since been outspoken in his desire to be a positive role model.
He has worked with Coach, Marc Jacobs, and GQ France. He is known for his haute-couture shoots with various famous photographers.
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2. Jari Jones
Jari was previously a fashion writer, writing for Nylon, Allure, the New York Times, and Out Magazine. But in 2020 she became one of the faces of the Calvin Klein 2020 Pride campaign.
She is also an accomplished film producer, with her film “Port Authority” screening at Cannes festival. She is an outspoken activist who constantly campaigns for queer BIPOC representation in the media.
3. Indya Moore
You probably recognize Indya from their role as Angel Evangelista on “Pose,” one of the most well-acclaimed shows in recent television history.
Indya began their modeling career at the age of 15 and worked with Dior and Gucci. They grew weary of the fashion world’s obsession with body image and turned to acting, eventually landing their role in “Pose.”
Most recently, they have returned to the fashion world as the first transgender model to feature on the cover of Elle. They identify as non-binary and transgender.
4. Andreja Pejic
One of the most prolific trans models in fashion history, Andreja was already in high demand before she came out as transgender.
She was well-known for her gender fluidity, appearing in shoots and on runways in both male and female clothing.
After coming out in 2013, she has remained in-demand. She has worked with Vogue, Elle, GQ (the first transgender woman on the cover), Marc Jacobs, Jean-Paul Gautier, Allure, Fashion, and more.
5. Hunter Schafer
You may recognize Hunter from her role in “Euphoria,” which has received rave reviews, especially for her role and the representation of trans characters.
Hunter is a trans model who has also worked with Versace, Dior, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Helmut Lang, and many other fashion designers.
6. Nathan Westling
Nathan is one of the hottest male models in the industry today. He already had a prolific modeling career before his transition, working with Tom Ford, Chanel, Christian Dior, and more.
After coming out in 2019 and taking a short break, Nathan appeared on runways modeling for Helmut Lang, Prada, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs, as well as appearing on the covers of Dazed Magazine, L’Uomo Vogue, and i-D.
7. Teddy Quinlivan
Teddy came out as a transgender woman in 2017 but had actually begun her transition as a teenager before getting booked. Teddy is the first out transgender model to be hired by Chanel and has walked for Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and more.
8. Laith Ashley
Laith is one of the most in-demand male models out there, period. His modeling career began after his transition when he posted a photoshoot on Instagram. Laverne Cox reposted his shots, and the rest is history.
Laith has done shoots for Barney’s, GQ, Vogue France, Calvin Klein, and Diesel, among many others. He is also the first transgender Pit Crew member on Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
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9. Chella Man
Chella is well-known for his role as Jericho in the DC Universe show “Titans.” He started his career as a YouTuber in 2017 and chronicled his transition as a deaf, transgender, Jewish POC.
In 2018 he began modeling and worked with GAP, American Eagle, and Calvin Klein.
10. Valentina Sampaio
Valentina is a trailblazing trans model, pure and simple. She was the first transgender Victoria’s Secret model, the first transgender woman on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the first on the cover of Vogue Paris.
She came out as trans at the age of twelve and was actually fired from her first modeling gig for being transgender. She’s bounced back though, and along with being the first on many covers, has worked with Dior, Marc Jacobs, L’Oreal, and Moschino.
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11. Lea T
Lea began her modeling career before her transition as the face of Givenchy. Since transitioning shortly after, she has appeared on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, Glamour, Vogue Paris, Numero, and Love.
In addition to her modeling career, Lea was also the first transgender person to represent her country (Brazil) in the Olympics opening ceremonies in 2016.
12. Kenny Ethan Jones
Kenny is best known for being the first male trans model to appear as the face of a campaign called “I’M ON,” challenging the stigma of menstruation and the use of menstruation products.
He has continued to be outspoken in his activism and remained in the public eye. We’re all waiting to see what he does next.
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13. Hari Nef
Hari has a prolific acting and modeling career, as well as being a contributing fashion author. She has appeared in or written for Dazed, Vice, and BlackBook. She was also on the cover of British Elle, making her the first transgender model to do so.
She also is a regular at New York City Fashion Week, modeling for Vejas, Degen, and other designers. Her on-screen career includes roles in “Transparent,” “You,” “Camping,” and the film “Assassination Nation.”
14. Leyna Bloom
Leyna was the first trans model to appear on the cover of Vogue India. She is the face of H&M+Moschino and is the first transgender person of color to walk at Paris Fashion Week.
In addition to her modeling career, Leyna also starred in Jari Jones’ film “Port Authority.”
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15. Dara Allen
Dara made a big splash in the fashion world, making her debut as an unsigned model walking for Marc Jacobs. She has since worked with Miu Miu, Kenzo, Prabal, and appeared on the covers of i-D and LOVE.
16. Torraine Futurum
Torraine is not one to be pigeon-holed. She is not only a model for Vans, Urban Outfitters, Petra Collins, Proenza Schouler, and more, but she is also an active musician and LGBTQ+ influencer.
She has also walked New York Fashion Week and appeared on the covers of i-D and Dazed.
17. Ines Rau
Ines is the first trans woman to appear in a Playboy centerfold. She transitioned at age 16 and was discovered while dancing at nightclubs in Ibiza.
In addition to Playboy, she has appeared in Vogue Italia and worked as a model for Barney’s, Balmain, and Nicole Miller.
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The Rise of Trans Models
This list is hardly all-inclusive. Every day, trans models are making greater gains in the world of fashion. Let’s celebrate those on this list and those who came before them as trailblazers of acceptance and visibility.
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