Anej Sosic is not just a model — he’s a force for representation, empathy, and progress. Ranked among the Top 100 Models in the World by Models.com in their prestigious Social Category, Anej has become a recognizable face across the global fashion industry. His work with powerhouse brands like Calvin Klein, Valentino, and Prada has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in the modeling world today.
But behind the glamour and the campaigns lies a storyteller with purpose.
A Voice for Change
Anej’s latest endeavor goes far beyond fashion—it’s a deeply meaningful children’s book about a transgender child, marking the first children’s book on this topic at an international scale. With sensitivity and courage, Anej brings a subject often considered complex into the realm of early education, helping young minds learn acceptance, love, and understanding from the very beginning.
Breaking Global Barriers
The book’s impact has been extraordinary. Already sold in five countries and translated into five languages, it’s on its way to reaching even more audiences worldwide. But the most groundbreaking moment came when the Ministry of Education in the European Union officially approved the book for use as an educational tool for children aged 5–7.
For a book addressing such a strong and mature subject, this approval is nothing short of revolutionary — a victory for inclusion, progress, and education.
Expanding Horizons
Now, Anej and his team are preparing to bring the book to the UK and USA markets, continuing their mission to normalize conversations about gender diversity and identity from an early age. Through his courage and creativity, Anej is helping shape a world where every child feels seen and accepted for who they are.
In this Hollywood Magazine exclusive, Anej Sosic shares how fashion, storytelling, and advocacy come together in his mission to inspire authenticity and acceptance worldwide.
1. You’ve worked with world-renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Valentino, and Prada — how has your modeling journey shaped your perspective on identity and storytelling?
The fashion industry in itself is a very artistic business filled with lots of eccentric people — a lot of minorities that are usually underrepresented in the outside world. Having had that incredibly unique exposure since a very young age was pivotal in my development as a storyteller. I quite quickly understood what I wanted to write about and how I wanted my “voice” to sound. More importantly, I immediately knew that I wanted to make LGBTQ+ literature for youngsters since I never had that growing up.
Plus, in modeling, you are always on the plane — so there is plenty of time to reflect and write.
2. What inspired you to write a children’s book about a transgender child, and why was this story so important for you to tell?
Children’s books have the most unique audience because they cater to both children and adults — parents reading to their kids. Therefore, your message as a writer reaches two completely different generations, which I believe is very powerful. Historically, the transgender community has been marginalized, and most books about that topic get censored or never receive sponsorship, making them invisible in the publishing world.
I’ve always been an avid supporter of queer rights, and for any project I do, I try to show my allegiance and respect. The book is made for everyone because it highlights the freedom of being yourself.
At my last live presentation of the book, I had an incredible moment with a straight, cis woman who told me the ending made her cry. She saw herself in the main character — someone simply seeking freedom. She shared that she always knew she didn’t want children yet was constantly pressured by her family and fiancé. Later, she broke up with him and chose her own happiness. That’s what the book is truly about — freedom.
3. Your book has been recognized as the first of its kind on an international scale. What challenges did you face bringing such a bold topic to life?
The Skirt was bought by five countries and translated into five languages — three already published and two more on the way. It’s the first children’s book about a transgender topic that will be used in schools for young kids.
There were more challenges than there are pages in the book, haha! There are very strong censorship laws, so you have to be exceptionally careful and mindful of how you approach storytelling that might be deemed “adult” or “progressive.”
Luckily, I had a great team to guide me. Most of the story can be interpreted in multiple ways — all of them positive and encouraging.
4. How did you feel when the Ministry of Education in the European Union approved your book as an educational tool for children aged 5–7?
Incredible. It gave extreme validation to my book, the story, and what it represents.
That approval came from the countries where the book was bought and translated, but our mission is not done. Our biggest goal is to successfully break into the U.S. market, which is needed now more than ever.
5. Writing about gender identity for such a young audience requires sensitivity — how did you approach making the message both simple and powerful?
A lot of important messages are carefully disguised. And after you peel back the veil of subliminal subject matters, you see the real story. You can sense it was written with a gentle approach — which is why I believe readers can immediately trust the writer’s voice.
6. Your book has already been published in three languages and sold in five countries and counting. What excites you most about introducing it to the UK and USA markets?
The exposure that this incredibly important topic deserves. Both markets are incredibly large, and the USA market in particular could really use this book right now. I hope it will reach many households and help heal our future generations.
7. Looking ahead, how do you see your work — both in fashion and literature — continuing to influence conversations around inclusion and acceptance?
I will continue working on projects I’m passionate about and forever bring awareness to minorities that are underrepresented in our society. Fashion — and the people I’ve met through it — brings me endless inspiration, which is why for me, it’s the perfect marriage. Stay tuned for more.
