Elle Bradford is a stunning New York-based model, fashion maven, and YouTube video blogger who has captured hearts with her grace, honesty, and timeless style. As a transgender woman, Elle uses her online platform to document her journey and share insights on fashion, beauty, and life in the city that never sleeps. Known for her classic aesthetic, her love of Dolce & Gabbana print dresses, and a fashion philosophy that prioritizes balance and mystery, Elle is both a modern style icon and a thoughtful voice in the transgender community. Whether she's discussing lipstick, her beloved dog Isaac, or the joys and challenges of transition, Elle radiates authenticity, elegance, and quiet strength.
Monika: Hello Elle! It’s such a joy to have you here. Thank you for joining me today for this chat.
Elle: Hello Monika! It’s wonderful to be here, thank you for having me. I’m feeling great and excited to share a bit of my journey with you.
Monika: Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share a little glimpse into your daily life? What should we know about the woman behind the camera and the fashion?
Elle: Well, I am a young trans woman living in New York City pursuing a career in fashion. I live with my boyfriend of seven years and our son (dog) Isaac. Life is good. I spend most of my days juggling creative projects, exploring the city, and looking for inspiration in everyday moments. New York has such amazing energy, it constantly fuels my passion for style and self-expression.
Monika: I’m a big fan of your vlog, it's honest, stylish, and deeply empowering. What inspired you to start sharing your transition journey so openly on YouTube, especially after being stealth for several years?
Elle: I felt that the time was right. I have been stealth for a few years now and never have I been as compelled to share my story as in this moment in time. There is an incredible amount of support for trans people in the world right now and I thought in sharing my story I could present another “version” of trans to the general public, in order to teach them that we are all different, just like everyone else. I wanted to show that there is no one way to be trans and that our stories are just as diverse as anyone else’s. Sharing mine felt like a way to contribute to the visibility and understanding we still desperately need.
Elle: Well, I am a young trans woman living in New York City pursuing a career in fashion. I live with my boyfriend of seven years and our son (dog) Isaac. Life is good. I spend most of my days juggling creative projects, exploring the city, and looking for inspiration in everyday moments. New York has such amazing energy, it constantly fuels my passion for style and self-expression.
Monika: I’m a big fan of your vlog, it's honest, stylish, and deeply empowering. What inspired you to start sharing your transition journey so openly on YouTube, especially after being stealth for several years?
Elle: I felt that the time was right. I have been stealth for a few years now and never have I been as compelled to share my story as in this moment in time. There is an incredible amount of support for trans people in the world right now and I thought in sharing my story I could present another “version” of trans to the general public, in order to teach them that we are all different, just like everyone else. I wanted to show that there is no one way to be trans and that our stories are just as diverse as anyone else’s. Sharing mine felt like a way to contribute to the visibility and understanding we still desperately need.
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| Courtesy of Elle Bradford via Instagram. |
Monika: You’re very open in your vlogs, even touching on deeply personal topics like your breast augmentation. How do you decide which parts of your life to share and which to keep private? Do you ever feel a tension between being informative and protecting your own boundaries?
Elle: Well, I think I am equally as private. There are many aspects of my life and transition that I will keep private because privacy isn’t something that you should give up when entering a platform like YouTube. That being said, I think it’s important to talk about the general issues that our community goes through. I know when I first started transitioning, YouTube was my go-to in order to learn information related to transition. Who better to hear it from than another person who is going through the exact same thing. Finding that balance between openness and privacy has helped me feel safe while still being helpful. It’s all about creating authentic content without compromising your well-being.
Monika: One of the things I admire most about your vlog is your impeccable taste in fashion. Would you say fashion plays a big role in how you express yourself? What kinds of outfits do you gravitate toward, and do you have any favorite designers, colors, or seasonal trends?
Elle: I do love fashion, I must say! I have a very classic style. I don’t like hemlines above my knees, you wouldn’t catch me in a pair of jeans, and I believe it’s important to create balance. Never show too much. I think my style during the Fall and Winter season is very “mysterious.” I love deep blues, blacks, and Bordeaux colors for these months. And as soon as Spring and Summer come around, I love to bring out my most colorful structured Dolce & Gabbana print dresses. Fashion lets me express who I am without needing to say a word. It’s like wearing my personality on the outside, elegant, confident, and unapologetically feminine.
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| Courtesy of Elle Bradford via Instagram. |
Monika: I absolutely love your Dita Von Teese-inspired look, it's so glamorous and timeless. Aside from Dita, are there any other style icons or sources of inspiration that influence your aesthetic?
Elle: Dita has been a strong inspiration in my young adult life, definitely. I draw inspiration from a lot of things though. I love different photography and I am obsessed with the Dolce & Gabbana ad campaigns. There is something about summer in Sicily; that's just magical to me. I’m also inspired by vintage cinema and old Hollywood elegance, it’s all about that grace and allure. Even everyday street style in New York can spark an idea for a look or mood.
Monika: Your lipstick collection is seriously impressive! Do you enjoy experimenting with different makeup looks, or do you prefer to stick with a signature style?
Elle: I am not much of an adventurous when it comes to make-up, I must say. I may try something different here and there, but I tend to stick to what I believe works for me and what I love. I think there’s something empowering about knowing your look and owning it. That said, I always enjoy watching beauty tutorials and staying inspired, even if I don’t always recreate the looks myself.
Monika: With your talent, beauty, and intelligence, you would absolutely shine on screen. Have you ever considered trying your hand at acting, even just for fun or a small role?
Elle: Well, thank you! I couldn’t see myself acting, to be honest. I just don’t have a fire for it, and I think that’s important. I am much more passionate about fashion. I’ve always felt more at home expressing myself through clothes, textures, and design. Acting is beautiful, but it’s just not where my heart is.
Monika: Have you ever been tempted to take part in a transgender beauty pageant? And more broadly, what are your thoughts on the role and impact of such pageants within the trans community?
Elle: I don’t think I would. I am not passionate about beauty pageants, therefore I am sure I wouldn’t be compelled to enter one. I am a strong believer in only doing things you are passionate about. That said, I do admire the confidence and grace of those who participate in them. Pageants can be empowering for many and offer visibility and celebration of trans beauty, which is always a positive thing.
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| Courtesy of Elle Bradford via Instagram. |
Monika: How do you feel about the current state of transgender women’s rights and visibility in American society? Are there areas where you think progress has been made, or do you feel there's still a long road ahead?
Elle: I think there is a duplicity in emotions when I think about the present situation. In many ways, I am happy that there is now more recognition and acceptance. On the other hand, there is just so much more to work on still and such a long way to go. But slow and steady wins the race, no? There are still so many challenges, especially in areas like healthcare and legal protections. However, the strides we’ve made in visibility are undeniable, and that’s something to be hopeful about.
Monika: You started transitioning at a young age. How did you navigate that process, and did it feel challenging at the time?
Elle: I started transitioning at 15, and to be honest, although I am sure the process was difficult, it didn’t feel difficult. Every step was a blessing, and I was endlessly motivated and happy to be transitioning. The support I had around me made a huge difference in how I experienced it. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing because it’s been an important part of my journey.
Monika: During your transition, were there any transgender role models or individuals who inspired you, or did you find yourself navigating it on your own?
Elle: No, unfortunately. At the time, there weren’t as many visible transgender role models as there are now. It was a bit isolating, but it also made me more determined to pave my own path. Nowadays, I’m glad to see that younger generations have so many amazing people to look up to.
Monika: What was the most challenging aspect of your coming out journey? Was it the process of acceptance or something else?
Elle: Perhaps it was accepting it and coming to terms with it myself. Coming out is not just about others accepting you, but also about finding peace within yourself. The fear of judgment was always there, but over time, I learned to embrace who I am. It’s an ongoing process, but it gets easier as you become more comfortable in your own skin.
Monika: How do you feel about the representation of transgender people in the media, including films, news stories, and books? Do you think it’s improving, or is there still room for more?
Elle: I think it’s great. I think there needs to be more! Representation is so important for visibility and understanding, and it can make a huge difference in how society views transgender people. We need stories that are authentic, not just stereotypical or one-dimensional. It’s only through diversity in media that we can help shift perceptions for the better.
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| Courtesy of Elle Bradford via Instagram. |
Monika: The transgender community is often part of the broader LGBT+ movement, but do you feel that the issues facing transgender people are fully understood and prioritized within the LGBT+ group? Is there space for the transgender community to promote its own cause?
Elle: I believe so, I think for a long time now the T-word has been almost forgotten but we are now coming to light and opening the eyes of the rest of the members of the LGBT group. I think the love and acceptance within our group have definitely grown over the last few years. While there’s still work to be done, I’m hopeful because we’re seeing more visibility and conversations about trans issues. We’re learning to support each other, and that’s been a beautiful step forward.
Monika: How would you describe the role of love in your life, and how does it influence your happiness and personal growth?
Elle: To me, love is everything. I could have everything but if I don’t have love, I don’t have anything. Love is the foundation that makes everything worthwhile, whether it’s from family, friends, or a romantic partner. It’s what gives me the strength to keep going and pursue my dreams.
Monika: Are there any exciting new projects you’re working on right now, and how do they align with your future goals?
Elle: I am currently working on some exciting things for my channel, actually! And I recently signed to a talent agency, so there is a lot to come. I’m excited to explore new opportunities that will allow me to grow even further. There’s a lot of potential for new collaborations and creative projects that I can’t wait to share with my followers.
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria and feeling lost?
Elle: I would tell them to find things about themselves that they love, even when it might seem impossible. If you look at yourself long enough, you’ll find many things about yourself that you love. It’s important to be patient with yourself during this journey and celebrate even the small victories. Remember, transitioning isn’t an easy road, but it’s not impossible either. You can find happiness in this life, I promise.
Monika: Elle, thank you for the interview!
All the photos: courtesy of Elle Bradford.
© 2015 - Monika Kowalska
