IN CONVERSATION WITH INES RAU

interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Ines Rau is a French top model and actress known for making history by being featured on the cover of Playboy in 2017. She has worked with major fashion houses including Saint Laurent, Armani, Jean Paul Gaultier, and L’Oréal Paris. Ines is also a rising DJ, drawing on her deep connection to electronic music to perform at major events including Burning Man and the legendary Pacha in Ibiza. With a strong presence across fashion, film, music, and advocacy, she continues to inspire with her authenticity, strength, and creative vision.

all looks SAINT LAURENT

You made history as the first trans playmate to appear on the cover of Playboy in 2017. How did that moment shape your career and personal journey?

To be the first trans playmate in history was, for me and the community, a groundbreaking moment of pride, representation, and visibility. It was a huge worldwide press tsunami from The New York Times, Washington Post, from Tokyo to Africa, to Europe and Australia, everyone wrote about it (especially also because I am the last playmate in history chosen by Hugh Hefner before he passed). It gave me a big spotlight to thrive within the industry and be a spokesperson to raise awareness for inclusivity and representation.
On a personal note, it was not easy, as I was not ready for the amount of hate I received and how to deal with it. However, as always, the love and support worldwide was stronger. That’s all that matters. I am, to this day, very proud of this historical moment and how it shaped the way for others to thrive.

You've appeared in major film and television productions, including Vernon Subutex and Emily in Paris. What has been the most rewarding part of transitioning from modeling to acting?

I always considered myself to be more of an actress than a fashion model. Acting was really what I wanted to do in the first place. I was at the Actor Studio school in New York when I first got scouted for modeling. I am a very sensitive, multidimensional being, so to dig into my emotions in service to the character I have to interpret for a movie, or a TV show is the most rewarding experience.

You've worked with top brands like Saint Laurent, Armani, and Jean Paul Gaultier. How has the fashion industry evolved in terms of inclusivity since you started your career?

The fashion industry evolved very rapidly in terms of inclusivity since I started to work with all these major brands years ago already. When I started my career in 2013, it was very difficult to book jobs coming from minorities. Proud to be a trailblazer who paved the way. It was indeed necessary. Music has played a powerful role in your life. What inspired you to step into the world of DJing and production? Music, especially house, has always been my sanctuary. It gave me freedom, energy, and the strength to embrace who I am. DJing felt like the natural next step, a way to express myself and give that same energy back to others.

Your autobiography Femme explores your life story from a philosophical and spiritual perspective. What was the most challenging part of writing such a personal book?

The most challenging part of writing a memoir for me was to write about my journey but in service to the reader for the person who reads the book to get insights, keys, and empowerment. As you said, the most important for me was to give that philosophical and spiritual taste of this transformation on so many different levels. No matter the gender, social status, age, or background, this book is a fairy tale of strength, empowerment, a universal love letter to life.

Your first DJ set was at Pacha Ibiza, and it wasn’t your first time there. What made that moment so powerful for you?

Years ago, I worked at Pacha as a dancer just after my transition. Coming back as a DJ, on a Saturday night, was emotional. It felt like life had come full circle. From dancing on the stage to commanding the music, it was surreal.

You're vocal about trans rights, women's empowerment, and environmental issues. What drives your passion for activism, and how do you balance it with your career?

Activism and humanitarian work are a duty for me. Always been on so many levels. It is natural to recirculate the energy of abundance you receive in life, as we are all one.

You’re now producing your own music. What can we expect from this new chapter?

I’m working on my first EP and collaborating with an artist I really admire. I’ve played at Burning Man, Paris Fashion Week, and more is coming. I’m in a creative flow right now, this is just the beginning.

As a trailblazer in both fashion and entertainment, what are some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was the amount of hate I received on socials to every groundbreaking moment of my career. I was not ready for it. I am very sensitive despite my strength, and it hurt me a lot. It is only now, through the years, that I learned to not be affected by it. I didn’t know people could have so much intolerance, anger, and aggression toward people they don’t even know. Now, I’ve turned the pain into fuel to thrive even more.

Whether in acting, modeling, or activism, what are your biggest goals for the future? Is there a dream project you hope to work on?

My biggest goal for now, it might surprise you, but it is just to be able to thrive in the infinite present moment despite the chaos of the world. I just came back from an ashram in India. I also met Indigenous tribes in the Amazon forest where I stayed for months, from whom I learned so much. Today, my happiness is not related to materialism or success, but in the ability to be present. To differentiate pleasure from joy. Pleasure comes from external things. Joy comes from within. To be a better person every day, honour life, and contribute to making the world a better place by spreading joy and empowerment.

What message would you give to young trans individuals who look up to you as an inspiration in the fashion and entertainment industries?

My very best advice to any human being on this planet is to learn to practice silence daily and go within by meditating. It does wonders and personally changed my life. Namaste!

TEAM CREDITS

talent INES RAU
photography ZEB DAEMEN
styling LOYC FALQUE
hair MAYU MORIMOTO
makeup VERA DIERCKX
photography assistant PAOLO CAPONETTO
styling assistant LAURA SAR
location ARTEFACT PARIS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview SAMO ŠAJN
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN