“Becoming me” was Pejić’s defining pop culture moment of 2014, and who can blame her? This year, she has made a public move from androgynous model to the woman she felt she was since age 13, and is breaking down barriers in the industry by making a documentary about her gender reassignment. Stay tuned for 2015, as she makes a splash in Sofia Coppola’s remake of The Little Mermaid.
What was your defining pop culture moment of 2014?
Andreja Pejić: Becoming me.
How would you sum up what you do in a sentence?
Andreja Pejić: “Those who do not move do not know their chains” – Rosa Luxemburg
I move.
How do you think style and pop culture will change in 2015?
Andreja Pejić: I think it will become more diverse, open to new ideas. A lot of it will be a remodelling of the old – AKA the 90s will still be trendy. Companies are struggling to capture the younger tech-savvy generations, who have a different idea of style. The tried-and-true methods don’t work as well anymore, risks will have to be taken on new ideas if those who determine style and lead pop culture wish to stay relevant.
What can we expect from you in 2015?
Andreja Pejić: The beauty of my journey is that it’s always been pretty unpredictable, so stay tuned. I will be.
What’s the most exciting thing about the music/film/fashion industry today?
Andreja Pejić: I feel that, as things get worse and worse on an economic and political level (there is no reason to believe that things are improving), there is a slow revival of creativity. There is less focus on money, commercialism, careerism as the artist turns his/her attention towards real issues that are confronting the world today.
The best songs/films/collections expose truths about life and make them universally accessible; they progress humanity. There is way too much art today that does nothing for the world.
What new skill did you learn this year?
Andreja Pejić: I learned how to feel sexy.
Who's an unsung cultural hero that you discovered this year?
Andreja Pejić: Chelsea Manning.
What’s the most surprising thing we’d find out if we looked at your phone?
Andreja Pejić: Unflattering photos.
Who should have been at number one on the Dazed 100?
Andreja Pejić: North West?
Instagram: @andrejapejic | Twitter: @andrejapejic
Upvote your favourites to decide the Readers' 100