Transgender Model Teddy Quinlivan Is The Face Of Chanel Beauty

If you didn't already recognise game-changing model, Teddy Quinlivan, then you definitely will now. Having starred in MILK Make-Up’s Kush mascara campaign, and made us all want to dye our hair red in Redken’s Colour Gel Lacquers promo shoot, she's become the world-dominating model that's championed inclusivity every step of the way.

Her latest move? Starring as the new face of Chanel Beauty.

The 25-year old’s latest gig sees her starring in Chanel’s new beauty campaign, no less. Not only are the images for the fashion house's ‘Summer Look’ totally beautiful, but the photo series marks a huge step towards inclusivity for the luxury brand. Why? Because Quinlivan will be the first openly transgender model to work for Chanel. Finally!

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A post shared by CHANEL BEAUTY (@chanel.beauty) on Oct 29, 2019 at 2:04pm PDT

Quinlivan posted on her Instagram to celebrate what a huge achievement it was for her:

'I find I don’t cry anymore when things are sad, but isn’t it interesting when we shed tears in moments of triumph. This was one of those triumphant cry moments for me. My whole life has been a fight.'

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💄CHANEL BEAUTY💄 -I find I don’t cry anymore when things are sad, but isn’t it interesting when we shed tears in moments of triumph. This was one of those triumphant cry moments for me. My whole life has been a fight. From being bullied at school consistently, kids threatening to kill me and going into graphic detail how they were going to do it, my own father beating me and calling me a fagot, to receiving industry blowback after speaking publicly about being sexually assaulted on the job... This was a victory that made all of that shit worth it. I had walked 2 shows for Chanel while I was living in stealth ( stealth meaning I hadn’t made my trans identity public yet) and when I came out I knew I’d stop working with some brands, I thought I’d never work with the iconic house of Chanel ever again. But here I am in Chanel Beauty Advertising. I am the first openly trans person to work for the house of Chanel, and I am deeply humbled and proud to represent my community. The world will kick you down, spit on you, and tell you you’re worthless. It’s your job to have the strength to stand up and push on, to keep fighting, Because if you give up then you will never experience the tears of triumph. Thank you to everyone who made this dream a reality! @nicolaskantor @shazmakeup @sebastienrichard1 @casadevallbelen

A post shared by Theodora Quinlivan (@teddy_quinlivan) on Aug 26, 2019 at 9:20am PDT

Quinlivan came out as transgender in 2017 and since then has been a consistent presence at Fashion Week. Having walked for numerous brands, the Boston native also starred in Louis Vuitton’s 2018 campaign, not to mention an array of magazine covers and even hosted her own TED Talk. Is there anything she can’t do? We don’t think so.

Here's to more major brands taking the step to prioritise representation in the future - hopefully, this is just the beginning.