Amanda Lepore is an American transgender model, singer, and performance artist. A former Club Kid,[1] she has appeared in advertising for numerous companies. Lepore is noted as a regular subject in photographer David LaChapelle's work, serving as his muse, as well as many other photographers, such as Terry Richardson and Ruben van Schalm.[2] She participated in LaChapelle's Artists and Prostitutes 1985–2005 exhibit in New York City, where she "lived" in a voyeuristic, life-sized set.[3][4]
Lepore has released several singles, many written by and/or recorded with gay rapper and singer Cazwell. In 2011, she released her debut studio album, I...Amanda Lepore, on Peace Bisquit.[5]
When she was 15 years old, Lepore befriended a transgender dancer named Bambi. Realizing she was transgender from an early age, Lepore began sewing costumes for Bambi in exchange for female hormones.[6][12] Having already grown isolated from her peers and schooling, Lepore's parents withdrew her from public school and hired a private tutor. They also took her to a psychologist, who successfully helped her obtain a prescription to begin hormone therapy.[11][13]
In the early 1990s, Lepore intended to establish herself as an iconic nightlife figure (including becoming a key member of the Club Kids). She supported herself by working in a nail salon, as a part-time dominatrix, and later as a cosmetics salesgirl for Patricia Field. After meeting photographer David LaChapelle one evening, while hosting at Bowery Bar, she began collaborating with him and became a ‘muse’ of sorts for his work.[11][13]
In 2005, Lepore released her first album, Introducing... Amanda Lepore, which contained "Champagne" and "My Hair Looks Fierce". In 2007, she released two remix albums, Fierce Pussy and My Pussy E.P. Lepore performed the main title for Another Gay Movie, "I Know What Boys Like" and "Cotton Candy" from the soundtrack of Another Gay Sequel.[19]
In June 2011, Lepore released her full-length album I...Amanda Lepore at the Highline Ballroom with Cazwell, Kat DeLuna, Neon Hitch, Ana Matronic, Jonté, and many others. Her debut full-length album I...Amanda Lepore was released in 2011 on Peace Bisquit.[22]
In 2014, Lepore was featured on drag performer Sharon Needles' single, "I Wish I Were Amanda Lepore", and she guest starred in the music video for the track, depicting Needles as a fan obsessed with getting plastic surgery to look like her.[23]
Merchandise
In October 1999, Swatch released "Time Tranny", a watch designed by LaChapelle with Lepore on the face, which displays a printed crack on the glass and marble stripes as the background. A second version displays no cracked glass and a blue and yellow striped background.[24]
In April 2006, Integrity Toys launched an Amanda Lepore doll produced by Jason Wu as a benefit for AIDS charities.[25]
Lepore has a line of cosmetics in partnership with CAMP Cosmetics, called "Collection Lepore", as well as a signature perfume.[26]
↑ Peden, Lauren David (September 28, 2005). "Shopping with...Amanda Lepore". dominicantoday.com. Dominican Today. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2011. But that's what makes Amanda (nee Armand) Lepore from Cedar Grove, New Jersey so great. The boy who grew up to be a Vargas pinup girl may be all manufactured artifice on the outside – huge blonde hair, huge red lips, huge gravity-defying boobs.
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