Trans Model Hari Nef Gets Signed to Gisele’s Agency
Photo: Ben Rayner/ @oystermagazine
Model Hari Nef, who also writes, acts, and just graduated from Columbia University with a theater degree, has just been signed to agency IMG—a massive accomplishment for any model, and an even bigger one for Nef, because she’s transgender.
IMG’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director Ivan Bart announced the news on Tuesday via Twitter, along with the caption, “Today begins our journey with @harinef. This girl’s future is so bright, guys r knocked out behind her! [sic]” Nef joins an extremely impressive roster of models at the agency, including Anja Rubik, Alek Wek, Candice Swanepoel, and Karlie Kloss. Oh—and Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss. (Maybe you’ve heard of them?)
Nef is currently the only trans model at IMG’s American branch, though Fashionista notes that the agency also reps model Valentijn De Hingh in Paris.
The 22-year-old Newton, Mass. native has already appeared in runway shows for Rihanna fave Adam Selman, VFiles, and Hood by Air, and has landed herself in several fashion glossies and sites—but her new cushy position at IMG will undoubtedly give her career the necessary push it deserves. As an IMG girl, Nef will be joining the ranks of trans models like Andreja Pejic (repped by The Society), Lea T (Women Management), and Geena Rocero (NEXT), who’ve been embraced by the industry over the past several years.
As much as we wish Nef all the campaigns and fashion shows in the world, we even more look forward to a time when the achievement of a trans person doesn’t make the news at all. Here’s to a future where sexuality and gender identity don’t regularly hinder or define a person’s opportunities or success in any way. That said, of course… major congrats, Hari!
More from Yahoo Style:
“Vogue” Features Its First Transgender Model, Andreja Pejic
Trans Teen Jazz Jennings Becoming Clean & Clear’s New Face Is More Important Than You’d Think
Transgender Model Lea T and the LGBT Revolution Within the Fashion Industry
