Don’t miss our exclusive chat with the iconic model
With her bright blonde hair, striking green eyes and tall stature (at 6'1”, she's hard to miss!), Andreja Pejić is a force to be reckoned with. The Bosnian-Australian model was first scouted as a model whilst working at McDonalds before the age of 17, and has since made her mark in the fashion industry. In the past decade, she's walked for some of the biggest fashion designers in the world during fashion week, such as Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, DKNY and Jeremy Scott, and was the first transgender model to front a campaign for Bonds.
And it doesn't stop there. The New York-based model has also starred in music video clips (she appeared in David Bowie's single The Stars Are Out Tonight with Tilda Swinton), and last year, she even made her debut in the film The Girl In The Spider's Web playing alongside Claire Foy and Sverrir Gudnason.
Her iconically androgynous facial features have truly worked in her favour, too; In 2015, she was the first transgender model to land a major makeup campaign (with none other than Make Up For Ever), and today, she's the newest Australian Kérastase ambassador, becoming the face of the latest #YouDareWeCare campaign that aims to celebrate blondes.
Perfect for the new gig, Andreja’s been lightening her hair since she was 14. "Blonde suits my personality,” says Andreja. “My blonde makes me feel confident and empowered to be uniquely myself. Sometimes blonde comes with a stereotype, as does beauty, however it is exciting to be living in a time where stereotypes are being broken and we can embrace distinctiveness.”
We managed to catch up with the incredibly busy model for an exclusive chat about her next career move, favourite beauty products, and more.
On the highlight of her career…
“There have been so many but I'll focus on the latest one; I just spent a month in Tbilisi Georgia filming a beautiful, special, surreal art film with the most wonderful people. We became like a family and this city is magical. It's at a crossroads of different religions, of Eastern European and Middle Eastern culture, there is a natural waterfall in the middle of the city! There is so much feeling everywhere.”
On her favourite fashion show she’s walked for…
“I think my work with Jean Paul Gaultier was really the most special and the moments I had on his runway have stood the test of time and changed the industry in many ways.”
On her favourite beauty products…
“Drunk Elephant is a skin care brand that I am obsessed with at the moment. The C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, because the dark circles are starting to show! I’m loyal to my NARS Orgasm Blush and [I like to] strategically apply Vaseline on [my] eyes and cheekbones [to] add instant freshness. And, of course, the Kérastase Blonde Absolut collection to keep my hair vibrant and shiny. In particular I love the Masque – it’s a rich deep purple mask that neutralises brassiness and deeply nourishes your hair.”
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
NARS Orgasm Blush
Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet
On her beauty role model growing up…
“My mother, because she is the first lady that taught me how to be a lady. She didn't actually have to do it, I just watched her.”
On her first beauty memory…
“[My mum] applying a purple shade of lipstick before going to work to put food on the table for her two kids.”
On her favourite beauty ritual…
“I love a good oil and herbal bath. I make it with lots of essential oils which I also burn for the aromatherapy. I add salt crystals and meditation music and I tune out the world.”
On whether she’s high-maintenance when it comes to her off-duty beauty…
“Not at all. I think being young is all about doing less. A little blush, a little Vaseline, maybe some lip gloss or lipstick. I currently have a fringe which actually requires more styling but it looks good so it's worth it.”
On her next career move…
“Well I just wrapped this movie that I mentioned that is being executively produced by David Lynch, directed by Giga Agladze, and I’m starring opposite Jim Sturgess. Next, I’m preparing for my role in a biopic about one of the most famous artists in history. Can’t say what it is yet, but yeah, life is good!”
Our Review Crew® recently road-tested the Kérastase Blond Absolu range; here’s what they thought about the products.
What are your favourite products for maintaining your blonde hair colour? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image credit: Getty
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
