The Iconic Looks of Transgender
In just the past few years trans people have revolutionized the fashion industry by making runways more inclusive spaces. Trans visibility in fashion is epitomized through the rising careers of trans models, several of whom are trailblazers in their craft.
With the growing media representation of trans people, International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event that only increases in societal relevance with each passing year. In just the past few years trans people have revolutionized the fashion industry by making runways more inclusive spaces. Trans visibility in fashion is epitomized through the rising careers of trans models, several of whom are trailblazers in their craft.
Male model Krow Kian’s blossoming career is deeply intertwined with his relationship with the trans community, as he regularly receives praise from inspired trans youth, and in turn he strives to remain a positive representation for them. Valentina Sampaio was the first openly transgender model to be on the cover of Vogue Paris, as well as the first transgender model for Victoria’s Secret—a company that previously refused to hire transgender models. Andreja Pejic, renowned for her androgynous look, was the first trans model to book a cosmetic campaign, and Chella Man is the first deaf, transgender man to be signed to a major modeling agency.
While trans representation in fashion and beauty has come a long way, there is still progress to be made. Dissatisfied with the white, cisnormative images of trans people, artist Texas Isaiah had his own unique way of celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility. Collaborating with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Texas Isaiah created “Every Image is a Blessing”, a stylized photographic collection of 11 black transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary artists, musicians, and activities.
The project served the purpose of showcasing black trans people in as they see themselves rather than how they are perceived by others. Texas Isaiah felt that mainstream images of trans people ignore their true struggles, so he sought to create images that were more truthful while still hopeful. The aforementioned models are important contributors to positive trans representation, but portrayals of trans people’s natural beauty are just as significant.
Report: Nia Hunt
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.