In response to remarks made by Victoria’s Secret chief marketing officer Ed Razek that the lingerie brand wouldn’t cast transgender models because they don’t sell the “fantasy” of skinny, white cis womanhood the company promotes, queer cultural visionary Love Bailey dreamed up a list of 18 transgender models who should be cast in the next VS show, or better yet on a runway where they are welcome and celebrated.
Those models included: Valentina Sampaio, Nakita Dragun, Yasmine Petty, and of course the ever-iconic Amanda Lepore.
Amanda, though, let it be known that while Victoria’s Secret might not want her, she definitely doesn’t want THEM.
“Thanks LoveBailey. While Victoria’s Scret thinks trans or plus-size models do not meet their standards, their products do not actually meet MY standards. So, we’re good. #MyPreferenceIsQualityAndEquality”
Legendary legend Amanda Lepore has an absolutely brilliant new music video – a cover of David Bowie’s anthemic “Jean Genie” – directed by Marco Ovando and starring Amanda (of course), cutie Cory Alexander, It-Boy Kyle Farmery, and Gianna Love. It was filmed outside the iconic Stonewall Inn, and was and released yesterday on January 8th – to commemorate David’s 72nd birthday, as well as to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and celebration of World Pride.
From the album LEPORE., Amanda Lepore’s cover of David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie”, recorded shortly after David’s passing, as Amanda wanted to pay tribute to her “eternal love”. One of Amanda’s life-long idols, who she says was “a big inspiration with his music and style”, Amanda laments “I think David’s style was very influential, and he was one of the first to bring that androgynous look to the mainstream, which is really big now”.
Amanda Lepore is back with a gorgeous technicolor ode to old school diva glamour in which she struts down Hollywood Boulevard (lingering at Marilyn’s star), poses in a white Cadillac, rolls around a heart-shaped bath tub, talks dirty to a john, sings on a piano, reads tabloid trash about herself, and “shows off ‘the most expensive body on Earth.'” Buckle up, indeed, darlings, because you are going on the ride of your life!
“Buckle Up” is a joyful celebration of the carnivalesque, campy divahood that has defined Lepore’s brand and life. “It’s time to get a bit vulgar,” she sings unapologetically, reclaiming the word others would use to smear her. The viewer has no choice but to give in, and worship Lepore as the self-made sex icon she is. The video’s shameless audacity will feel classic to longtime fans, but for those less familiar, “Buckle Up” is a crash course in Amanda Lepore.
Says director Josef Jasso (who created the film with artist Zaebear):
“Amanda Lepore truly is the epitome of glamour and her dedication to it is utterly astounding.” says director Josef Jasso. “This film Zaebear and I created together, is a hyper stylized visual statement of the sensational life that she actually leads, over-the-top and wildly entertaining to watch. Collaborating with Zaebear was fantastic. He is an artist whose work I have admired for a long time. We have different aesthetics but our tastes are similar and I feel ‘Buckle Up’ is an excellent blend of those two signature styles to create one magical film.”
WOWlebrity Amanda Lepore, the world’s mega-famous transsexual, is busting out all over this Spring with a pair of visually delightful music videos featuring songs from her top-selling LEPORE. mini-album. Buckle Up (written & produced by Bill Coleman, RedTop, Knifekick, Ted Ottaviano, Megan Vice), Amanda’s flirty and playful track with its retro-pop swing gets the full-on video treatment with a playfully provocative film that urges fans to prepare for the Spring season of love. Meanwhile, the music video for The Jean Genie– a cover of David Bowie’s song, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and a half-century of LGBTQ liberation. Check out both vids below, and download the LEPORE EP on iTunes, NOW!!! (screengrabs via video)
Amanda Lepore:
“Buckle Up is so sexy, bubbly, and romantic, it’s the perfect Spring anthem!”
Josef Jasso and Zaebear (Buckle Up Directors):
“The Buckle Up music video is a hyper-stylized visual statement of the sensational life that Amanda Lepore leads every day. Just like Amanda, the video is over the top, magical and wildly entertaining to watch. Amanda Lepore truly is the epitome of glamour and her dedication to it is utterly astounding.”
FUN…LAUGHS…SUBLIME!!! MAC Cosmetics just launched their new Powder Kiss Lipstick Collection in true glam style with an NYC night of cabaret, hosted by WOWlebrities, actor/activist Alan Cumming (MC) and nightlife icon Susanne Bartsch. Check out pics of some of the performers below…including Amanda Lepore, Dirty Martini, Joey Arias and Julie Atlas Muz, Làszlò Major, Shequida, Ruby Fox…and the packed room of gorge guests Milk (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Dandy of New York Patrick McDonald, Kyle Farmery, Brandon Olson, icon Carmen D’Alessio (Studio 54), fashion designer Cheng, Christiane Seidel, The CT, Muffinhead, actress Brenda Vacarro, Lauren Ezersky, Victoria Hayes, Ivy Bjork, Connie Girl, hairstylist Isaac Davidson, Kyle Brincefield (STUDMUFFIN), Iggy Berlin, Muffy and more! (pics by Jared Siskin & Andreas Hofweber, courtesy of MAO PR)
A fabulous time was had by all at last night’s big opening for legendary clubland photographer Michael Fazakerly, whose era-defining works of the ’80s and ’90s were on display at our WOW Presents Space in association with the Stonewall Museum in Ft Lauderdale. How young and fresh we all once were. Even Lady Bunny! See if you can spot: the star photographer Mr Fazakerly, WOW co-creator/founder/CEO/dad Fenton Bailey, the Stonewall Museum’s Justin Estoque, the always delightful Deven Green, clubkid legend Little Keni (Kenneth Hash), drag icon Constance Cooper, rising trans icon Ridge Gallagher, Love Connie, Donald Simrock, Bettie Bathhouse, Kallisto Damore, Bobby Webster, Javay da Bae, Spencer Neimetz, Herb Collins, Rich Barnes, Petey Plastic, Tiny Brick World and MOREin the pictures below. Repost at will! Tag your friends! Spread the love! (Photographer: SmugMug)
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, Bette Midler and Cyndi Lauper premiered an electrifying live performance at the We Party Pride Festival (presented by Absolut Vodka Main Event) last Saturday, during World Pride. Produced by Jake Resnicow, it was the biggest Pride charity event in history with over 10,000 guests!!!…and also featured an opening dance act by Beyonce’s choreographer Chris Grant and special guest Brandy Norwood (who performed a special tribute to Whitney Houston), visual performance by the theatrical phenomenon STOMP and spectacular performances by Conchita Wurst, Amanda Lepore, Jonté Moaning, Billy Porter and Zumanity Cirque du Soleil. All net proceeds will benefit prominent LGBTQ charities, including the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative and LIFEbeat (pics by Michael Poselski)
Bulgarian model Andrea Ivanova is taking trout pout to new heights with bee-stung lips so big they look like she smooched a whole hive of murder hornets. New York Post is on the case:
Her Amanda Lepore-level lip game involved a whopping 20 lip injections.
Kim Petras’ Malibu has an undeniable, get-off-your-ass dance beat! Perfect for Pride weekend!
To me, it’s an instant club classic, with definite MJOff the Wall vibes. Ms. Petras got a slew of her pals to dance to the beat at home. Like,
Paris Hilton, Demi Lovato, Jonathan Van Ness, Madelaine Petsch, Benito Skinner, Todrick Hall, Pabllo Vittar, Jessie J, Charli XCX, Aly & AJ, Scott, Aquaria, Loren Gray, Nikita Dragun, Amanda Lepore, Dorian Electra, Brittany Broski, Bowen Yang, Slayyyter, Daniel Preda, Gabriel Fontana & Theodora Quinlivan.
Not brand new, but along with Katy Perry‘s Harleys in Hawaii, Harry Styles‘ Watermelon Sugar and Gaga & Ariana‘s Rain on Me, it’s the sound of quarantine summer 20. Gettin’ a little lethargic. Mid-afternoon slump? Crank up the volume to 11 and get up on it!
Watch, Dance & Sing Along!
Tell me how do I get over you When your eyes are so pacific view… Fallin deep into Curacao blue And all your kisses taste like And all your kisses taste like Malibu
I’m meltin into you Oh baby you left me tinglin’ My nails soft peach and the sea salt’s sinkin in Oh baby I don’t need anything Its all been beachy since you came crashin’ in And all your kisses taste like Malibu
Tell me how do I get over you When your kisses taste like Malibu
Sasha Velour, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 champion, is taking her Nightgowns digital to celebrate its five-year anniversary and raise money for organizations that supporting Black and trans people across the country.
The digital drag production, NightGowns Forever, happened Sun, Aug. 9 at 7:00 p.m. as a three-hour virtual show featuring unreleased archival footage of 30 show-stopping sets from NightGowns’ history.
Performances streamed as part of the broadcast include those from Velour’s Drag Race sisters Shea Couleé, Peppermint, Bob the Drag Queen, Alexis Michelle, and Aja, in addition to numbers from The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula winner Biqtch Puddin’, club legend Amanda Lepore, Lypsinka, West Dakota, Zenobia, Vigor Mortis, Lucy Balls, Patti Spliff, Horrorchata, Pierretta Viktori, Francesca, Pearl Harbor, Elle McQueen, and Lady Quesa’Dilla.
There’s something so special and moving about a live drag performance in front of an audience, and the performances we selected for NightGowns Forever really capture that.”
Velour’s core NightGowns cast — namely Neon Calypso, Vander Von Odd, Sasha Colby, K.James, Untitled Queen, and Miss Malice) will host the in addition to sharing footage of their own performances.
The event was free, though a $15 suggested donation will benefit grassroots groups that redistribute money and food to Black trans people, including the Trans Justice Fundraising Project, For the Gworls, G.L.I.T.S. Inc., Brave Space Alliance, and The Okra Project.
Drag icon Jackie Beat’s 22nd annual holiday show Christmas Is Not Canceled! is now available to view on demand! The big and bawdy, bold and ballsy queen’s shows are legendary…and this year, she’s gone virtual, streaming her festive freak-out right into your living room. Whatever you celebrate, watch for Jackie’s holiday classics and new song parodies aimed at everything you cherish.
JACKIE BEAT: CHRISTMAS IS NOT CANCELED! is now available to watch On Demand through December 26. Tickets are $20 per device, available at www.SpinCycleNYC.com.
NYC nightlife legends Amanda Lepore, Lady Bunny, and Shequida are hosting Queens at the Yard– an immersive dinner and theatrical experience at Queensyard in NYC. Beginning Friday, May 21, and every Friday thereafter, the regal evening will include a two-course plated dinner by renowned chef Brian Yuko and feature stunning burlesque, astounding opera, breathtaking acrobatics, and ribald comedy. “This isn’t the event for shorts and tank tops,” warns Lady Bunny, who, in addition to hosting, will DJ the post-dinner party portion of the evening. Queensyard, 20 Hudson Yards, NYC, $75 (VIP premium seating and complimentary champagne upon arrival, is available for an additional $29), cocktails begin at 8:30PM, seating at 9PM, show at 10PM, more info & advance tix HERE.
Brandon Voss (Producer):
“We are thrilled to bring together these New York nightlife legends and the city’s most brilliant cabaret performers for a unique show unlike anything they have done before. Queens of the Yard will not only feature shows by its three legendary hosts, but also immersive performances and outrageous acts that will surprise and astound guests; and the food and event space are simply magnificent.”
QWERRRKOUT TUESDAY just got a whole lot QTer… New queers featured every week! Tag us, take a pic of us and follow us on Instagram at QWERRRKOUT, and you too could be the next, featured QT! YOU BETTA QWERRRK! Oh…and don’t forget to get the BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW “Notorious P.I.G.” merch HERE!!! (Mx Qwerrrk pic by celeb photog Santiago Felipe, METAMORKID’s pics via Instagram)
METAMORKID
Age: 22
Location: Vienna, Austria
About:
“My Name is Metamorkid, which is a combination of the words metamorphosis, orchid, and club kid. As a non-binary person, I want to represent a new generation of LGBTQI+ artists. I am very visually driven and as a designer, I found my passion in bringing the imagery in my mind to life. Another aspect of my work is conceptualizing and realizing stage productions from revue shows to more theatrical work.
My Drag is rebellious and inspired by fashion visionaries like Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen, as well as club kid legends like Amanda Lepore and Leigh Bowery…a mixing pot of references that keep me inspired and motivated to keep working on myself and my art. I love performing and feeling the energy of an audience. Drag really is everything to me.”
Quentin Crisp was born Denis Charles in Sutton, Surrey England on Christmas Day in 1908.
I didn’t meet him until about 75 years later in NYC. I was 21 and working at Vogueat the time and I “courted” Quentin (non-romantically) who was 50+ years my senior. Working for a magazine I got loads of invitations (many hand-me-downs from editors) to screenings, plays and various events and Quentin became my default date.
Once we were were watching a series of short movies at an avant-guard gay film fest at the Anthology Film Archives and after a particularly obtuse and odd short ended, the lights came up, I turned to Quentin and he looked at me and said,
“Why?”
We must have made a pretty cute pair back then and over the years, after countless “dates”, we became, what I considered, friends. But, I felt, as many times as we ate dinner together, chatted, gossiped and talked on the phone, he was a bit of a sphinx, an unknowable entity, really.
One of the sweetest memories I have of him was eating dinner together at his favorite Second Avenue diner, practically in silence. We were at that comfortable stage where he didn’t need to have his Quentin Crisp “on” and I had stopped “interviewing” him long before.
In 1998 I threw a private 90th birthday party for him that turned out to be quite the event. John Waters, Rufus Wainwright, Simon Doonan, Penny Arcade, Lauren Hutton, Amanda Lepore and many others all came to pay their respects to the great man, whom they truly loved. Author Allegra Huston (sister of Anjelica) penned new words to God Save the Queen, changed to God SaveOUR Queen, and we all sang it to him.
Sadly, he was gone before he turned 91. I miss him, like we were actually related – as though he were my great, gay British uncle. I do have some British blood in my DNA and coincidentally, my mother’s last name, after she remarried, is Crisp.
Anyone ringing him up on the phone always got the same intro…
“Oh, YEEESSSSS!
Hi, Quentin. It’s Trey…
Oh, hello, how are you?
I’m fine. How are you?
I’ve gone on living, in spite of everything…”
I can still hear THAT voice – and so can you, if you listen to the audio of his reading of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. So, listen, and look at the style, and soak in one of THE most fascinating characters of the 20th century.
You can read more about him in Stephen Rutledge‘s post #BornThisDay.
From the iconic stylist and fashion provocateur whose designs transformed culture…bringing the glitz of Studio 54 and the sophistication of Sex and the Cityto the mainstream… comes a playful yet intimatememoir of a life spent challenging conventions.
Carrie Bradshaw’s pairing of a tutu with a tank top is one of the most iconic outfits ever seen on television…and a look that turned avant-garde New York designer and stylist Patricia Fieldinto a household name!
But before she was crowned the fairy godmother of haute couture, Field was the owner of the longtime East Village emporium Patricia Field, a haven for drag queens, club kids, starving artists, NYU freshmen, and creative visionaries alike.
Presiding over downtown with her distinctive vermillion hair and a constantly lit cigarette, Pat was a rock ‘n’ roll den mother to everyone from Amanda Lepore to Lady Bunny to Patti Smith, with her store providing the city’s eccentrics with a place to discover a sense of family, home, and a rhinestone bedazzled bustier or two.
In Pat in the City, Patricia describes her journey from scrappy Queens kid peddling men’s pants to the fashion world’s most notorious renegade. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Field learned the principles of glamour from her entrepreneurial mother, and applied her NYU lessons on democracy to inform a fashion ethos that would reach millions.
From her Studio 54 disco-glam styling to her award-winning work in The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City to today’s buzzy costuming in Emily in Paris, Field’s inimitable styling has pushed the envelope and created trends that have become the culture standard.
Now in her eighties, Patricia Field is ready to tell her story…not to take a final bow, but to spread her credo of challenging convention and filling the world with joy and dancing.
Pat In The City: My Life of Fashion, Style, and Breaking All The Rules comes out February 14, 2023, pre-order now at Rizzoli.com.
