The future is here. Today marks International Women's Day and lingerie brand Bonds has released their latest campaign with four women—including Bosnian-Australian transgender woman Andreja Pejic. In this historic move, Pejic is joined by Kiwi model Maia Cotton, advocate Shanaya Peters and model Madeleine Hunt. It is the first time a transwoman has fronted an international underwear campaign in the Southern hemisphere.
Pejic shot to fame in 2011 when she modelled in both the men's and women's shows for Jean Paul Gaultier at Paris Fashion Week in 2011. Known as the world's first completely androgynous supermodel, she appeared on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and GQ. Four years later, she became the first openly transgender model to be profiled by Vogue, signed a cosmetics contract and in 2017 became the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of GQ. If her star wasn't rising already, Pajic has also made her way into acting, with her first major role in The Girl in the Spider's Web last year.
In this interview, Andreja Pejic reveals what she would tell her younger self, her plans for 2019 and the one word she'd use to describe her body.
Tell us about the last time you had ‘All the feels’.
When listening to Chris Isaac Blue Hotel while driving across the red desert in Arizona with my two best friends. I was in Scottsdale by myself recovering from a surgery and feeling pretty down and they drove across the state to surprise me. We sneaked out of the hospital and went to the mountains.
If you could, what would you tell your younger self today?
I would tell myself not to cry over the guy you were dating who didn't want to hold your hand in public because he wasn't comfortable with you, but more-so himself, because 10 years later that guy is going to walk into a Bonds store and be reminded of what he lost.
How do you feel when you wear underwear? What does it represent to you?
When I think of underwear I think of feminine hip bones, of dancing around before a shower, 1960's Marilyn Monroe beach photos, being topless in the summer heat and for some reason toned butt cheeks with goosebumps all over them. I think it’s from the first underwear add I saw as a kid. Wearing my underwear and nothing else to me represents a level of comfort with my own body that took me about 24 years to achieve. Every time I do it I am reminded that anything is possible.
What pieces from the Bonds Intimately range do you love the most and why?
My favourite is the burnt orange lace set I'm wearing in the campaign. I also love the body suits. Very well cut!
What do you look for when shopping for intimates?
I look for understated sex appeal and flexibility is so important. I want to be able to go from shopping for groceries to making out with a cute boy without having to think about changing my panties. I don't wear bras too often but when I do I seek a slight lift but without much padding unless I'm wearing my bra as a top in which case I'm happy to aim for total-in-your-face cleavage. Although with my B-cups/small C-cups I rarely achieve anything close to that but it's the feeling that counts!
What does 2019 have in store for you?
So much to come! I've started my career in acting and I will be filming my second movie which I am super excited about! I’m becoming a Bonds girl which I never thought possible. I hope to spend more time with my family and travelling back home more often. I want to take up ballet lessons and writing classes and I want to get through at least 50 movies and books on my "To read/watch" list.
What’s one word you’d use to describe how you feel about your body?
Genius.
Want more? Here are all the essential movies to watch this International Women’s Day
Image Credit: Supplied