2016-5 How Model Andreja Pejic Got Ready For the 27th Annual GLAAD Awards

On Saturday, we followed Australian model Andreja Pejić, who has been a sought-after face in the fashion industry since she was discovered at the age of 17. If you follow us on Snapchat, you probably remember her amazing snaps from Saturday night, when she brought us along to the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the yearly celebration honoring members of the media for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. Andreja, who became the first transgender model to appear in Vogue in 2015, shows us how she got all dolled up for the special night."

Before having Andreja sit down in the chair, we went over her outfit for the evening to decide on the hair to work with the entire outfit," said Jerome Lordet, the Pierre Michel Salon stylist who helped Andreja prep for the big night. "We decided on a simple, elegant and sexy look: smooth hair with a light wave to keep it natural looking." Jerome used L'Oreal's Elnett to keep her hair in place, along with a root lift spray, Get Lifted, by eSalon.

"I usually go with the ‘less is more’ approach," Andreja told us. "I like to accentuate my natural features. I want to look back at my red carpet when I’m old and wrinkly, and still think wow, that was a beautiful look."

"During the day I really don’t wear much makeup," Andreja told us. "I usually wear some Make Up For Ever Face and Body to even out m]y coverage, along with mascara."

The model was more than happy to go all out for the occasion, though.

"It's the GLAAD Media Awards! So I wanted to keep it fresh and happy." Mission accomplished.

"I started with a good blow out," says Jerome. "She has gorgeous hair, so it’s pretty hard to mess things up. I smoothed out the hair with a round brush, which gives shine and textures. Then created those beautiful tussled light waves with a curling iron which you can see in the final look."

An added bonus? Andreja's great attitude, along with her total understanding of what works and what doesn't.

"It’s always a bonus when your client knows what looks goods on her," Jerome told us. "Once I saw the pics of her on the carpet, I knew we killed it."

To get a fresh rosy look ("I call it spring flower"), Andreja started with Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD Generation Foundation, Ultra HD Invisible Cover Concealer, and Pro Sculpting Palette, plus their Pro Light Fusion for some shimmer.

Since landing Make Up For Ever's "Be You" campaign in 2015, Andreja's been able to work some of the best makeup artists in the industry - and definitely picked up a few tips.

"For this, I actually did my own makeup," she said. "I wanted to show everyone that you can do your own makeup, and you don’t always need a professional! No one knows your face better then you do, so if you master the skills you can often do an even better job."

With beauty idols ranging from Sophia Loren to Stevie Nicks, it's no wonder Andreja feels so comfortable in whatever she's wearing, whether for work or at rest.

Her best advice?

"Don't do things just to impress others, or just because you're scared you won't have any friends."

"On and around the eyes I used Brow Seal, Aqua Smoky Extravagant mascara, and eyeshadow palettes D62 and M42."

Her final makeup touch? A little color on the lips and done.

"I used my favorite color right now, Artis Lip Blush 921."

"Working with Andreja is a stylist's dream," said Kyle Kagamida, who created her look for the big night. "Not only is she gorgeous but she's also a risk taker. She's a chameleon in her style, and I think that is what makes her a true fashion icon."

The best part of prep for Andreja? The real reason behind all the fuss.

"GLAAD is definitely an organization that has helped me in my journey towards freedom," she told Teen Vogue. "They do such great work when it comes to building a level of respect in the media for LGBT individuals."

For jewelry, Andreja wore Jack Varantian, which paired flawlessly with the rest of her ensemble.

"Andreja is a trailblazer, a true inspiration complete with courage, confidence, and poise," says fashion legend Prabal Gurung, who dressed her for the award ceremony. "I wanted her to feel like the star she is, and the gown we selected from the Spring 2015 collection perfectly balances delicate femininity with a strong edge. It is an honor to dress Andreja for such a special night."

"It's Spring, so I wanted to bring some sequins and skin to the night!" said Andreja. "Prabal Gurung is definitely one of my favorite designers in New York. I love his romantic vision and he really understands how to construct a beautiful dress."

The only challenge: the perfect shoes to match.

"We went with classic Stuart Weitzman strappy heels."

All dressed up with a killer party to go to.

According to Andreja, "The best is yet to come!"

How Model Andreja Pejic Got Ready For the 27th Annual GLAAD Awards

She was perfect.

by

Lily Puckett

Photographs by

Hannah Kristina Mertz

Hair by

Jerome Lordet

http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/andreja-pejic-glaad-awards