11 transgender icons in the fashion industry

Tracey Norman was one of the first African-American models to rise to prominence while privately navigating her identity as a trans woman. In addition to her prestige in the New York underground ballroom scene, she has graced major magazine covers and even walked for Balenciaga, earning her place in an industry that often excluded both Black and trans voices.

Caroline Cossey made history as the first openly transgender woman to appear in a James Bond film, receiving global attention with her role in 1981’s For Your Eyes Only. A decade later, she broke another barrier by posing for Playboy. Beyond the spotlight, Cossey became a dedicated advocate for transgender rights, taking her fight for legal recognition to the European Court of Human Rights. Her visibility and activism played a key role in shaping policy and shifting public perception in the UK.

Co-founder of No Sesso alongside Autumn Randolph, Pia Davis has quickly emerged as a force in sustainable, gender-fluid fashion. Her label champions inclusivity through upcycled designs, and in 2019 she made history as the first Black trans designer to showcase a collection at New York Fashion Week.

Born in Chicago to a Filipino mother and African-American father, actress, model and activist Leyna Bloom has become a prominent figure at the intersection of fashion and film. From leading international campaigns to starring in the 2019 film Port Authority, which premiered at Cannes, Bloom made history as the first trans woman of colour to headline a film at the festival.

Chella Man brings a multifaceted perspective to fashion and culture. As a deaf, transmasculine, genderqueer and biracial person, they began documenting their transition as a teenager, using storytelling as both advocacy and art. Man made history as the first deaf trans model signed to IMG, later fronting campaigns for Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Known for her sharp sense of humour online and catwalk presence, Alex Consani has captured the attention of both the industry and a new generation of fans. In 2024, she made history as the first transgender woman to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards, earning her status as a breakout force in global fashion.

Read more: Who is Alex Consani? Meet the first transgender woman to win Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards 2024

American model Nathan Westling began his career in 2013 before coming out as a transgender man six years later. After taking time away from the spotlight to focus on his transition, he returned to the industry with the support of designers and his agency. Westling is open about how modeling helped him understand his gender identity. He continues to use his platform to advocate for greater trans visibility and acceptance within fashion.

With her rebellious yet respectful aesthetic, stylist and fashion editor Dara Allen is proving to be one of the most exciting voices in fashion at the moment. She began her career as a model, walking the runways for Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. She has since shifted into a high-profile styling career, working with stars like Addison Rae and Hunter Schafer. Allen also serves as Interview Magazine’s fashion director.

Gogo Graham is a fashion designer and visual artist based in Brooklyn. She makes clothes specifically for trans women, a decision she made for the purpose of filling a gap in mainstream fashion. Her designs challenge ideas of femininity and often include avant-garde elements that some describe as edgy or even unsettling.

Teddy Quinlivan was discovered in 2015 by Nicolas Ghesquière and came out as transgender in 2017. She is known for her activism and has promised not to work with brands linked to sexual misconduct. Teddy made history as the first openly trans model to lead a campaign for Chanel. She has also walked for major brands like Prada, Dior and Gucci.

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