Courtesy of Barneys New York

Last week, Barneys New York unveiled its new, Bruce Weber-lensed ad campaign, featuring a cast of 17 transgender male and female models. Though there are a few exceptions to the rule, (like Brazilian transgender model Lea T in Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy ad campaign), fashion hasn't always been quick to embrace transgender models. This "Brothers, Sisters, Son & Daughters" campaign (the brainchild of Barneys' Dennis Freedman), however, marks a strong effort to change that. We checked in with one of the campaign's brightest young stars, Edie Charles, to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the shoot and hear more about the challenges of being a transgender model.

This is your first big campaign. What was it like shooting with Bruce Weber?

Shooting the Barneys campaign was a life-changing experience. Bruce knows exactly what he wants and how to bring it out in his models. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity.

Related: I'm a Trans Woman, But Please Stop Asking Me About My Genitalia

Courtesy of Barneys New York

This is a big moment for transgender models. What does it mean to you in particular and your modeling aspirations?

This certainly is a huge moment for transgender representation in general! In any image-based, consumerist society, media and advertising have tremendous influence. I hope that a campaign featuring a variety of transgender people will aid in the acceptance of transgender identity, and by extension, further the progress towards transgender equality and the fight for trans civil rights. I hope that this campaign will serve as a catalyst for my modeling career as well.

What are some of the struggles you have faced so far as a transgender model?

In terms of modeling, my gender status has been my best asset and my biggest frustration. Being transgender has certainly helped me book work and I am very proud and open about my transgender identity, but sometimes I wish it wasn't treated with such importance. That's one of the reasons why I think the Barneys campaign is so great. It begins to show the diversity within the trans community. The biggest struggle I face is appropriate use of language.

How so?

On shoots, my gender is always up for interpretation. Some photographers want to emphasize my androgyny while others go for a more glamorous look. I am constantly perceived according to someone else's vision and so pronouns can be an issue.

Related: ELLE Canada Features Transgendered Miss Universe Contestant Jenna Talackova

Courtesy of Barneys New York

When did you first start your transformation and who has been your greatest support throughout it?

I moved to London after high school to pursue a degree in jewelry design at Central Saint Martins. Once abroad, I began presenting myself more androgynously and that's when the modeling started. About a year later, I began living full-time as a woman. My boyfriend has been my greatest support throughout my transition. His unconditional love and support enabled me to experiment with my gender. I owe him so much.

What models do you especially look up to?

I love Kristen McMenamy. She has such bold, androgynous features and her look is so distinct. And she always does such interesting editorials. I'm so jealous of her recent mermaid editorial for W. I wish I were a mermaid!

You are also working on your own jewelry line. Tell me about that.

I would describe my designs as a fusion of minimal tribal and Art Deco. Very geometric with a focus on mixed materials. My current designs feature dark wood with silver and brightly colored resin. Despite the mix of materials, the work has a precious and luxurious feel. I would class my designs as wearable statement pieces. It's important to me that my designs have unisex potential.

When do you hope to launch it?

I am producing my collection as part of my final year of study. The launch will be online and at the Central Saint Martins degree show in London, in June of 2014.

Photo: Courtesy of Barneys New York

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io