Is fashion finally embracing more model diversity? Are the Brazilian bombshell and Eastern European nymphet losing their cachet as we see more plus-size, Asian, African, and transgender models filling up the glossies? We think so, in which case we’re happy to introduce you to the tran-tastic Valentijn de Hingh, who many of you may recognize from the runways of Maison Martin Margiela and Comme des Garçons a few years back.

The transgender Dutch model worked in Paris and Amsterdam until she reached 6’1 (some reports claim 6’3), at which point she was let go by her agency for being too tall. But with androgyny so de rigueur right now, it’s no surprise that Valentijn (a male name, by the way) has been shot for the pages of Candy and Love, where fellow transgender model Lea T. has already snagged a coveted cover.

Of course, should the resurgence prove short-lived, Valentijn has a back-up plan; she’s studying literature science at the University of Amsterdam.