Andrej Pejic Responds To Controversy Over His Looks

Australian transgender model Andrej Pejic has shrugged off criticism over his looks, saying his gender is "open for interpretation".

The 19-year old was the centre of controversy earlier this year when US FHM ran a story that included derogatory comments about Pejic's gender.

"Pejic jumped the gun in hoping he might one day be signed as a Victoria's Secret Model (pass the sick bucket)," the editorial read, horrifying its readership at the time.

Although Pejic remained silent over the issue, he told New York magazine this week the criticism hadn't warranted a response.

"I know people want me to sort of defend myself, to sit here and be like, 'I'm a boy, but I wear make-up sometimes.' But, you know, to me, it doesn't really matter."

Pejic, who hails from Melbourne, has made headlines around the world for his ability to work as both a female and male model.

"I don't really have that sort of strong gender identity - I identify as what I am," Pejic said. "The fact that people are using it for creative or marketing purposes, it's just kind of like having a skill and using it to earn money."

Despite the criticism, Pejic has maintained his sense of humour, saying to New York magazine, 'I don't get out of bed for less than $50 a day. I want to make that clear to America. This is a new age of androgynous supermodels. We don't get out of bed for less than $50 a day.

"My whole life is controversy. What can I do? Im like Britney Spears!"