Personal Details :
- Full Name: Leandra Medeiros Cerezo
- Professional Name: Lea T
- Date of Birth: February 19, 1981
- Place of Birth: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Gender Identity: Transgender woman
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Sexual Orientation: Not publicly disclosed
- Languages Spoken: Portuguese, Italian, English
- Ethnicity: Brazilian of Italian descent
- Current Residence: Divides time between Brazil and Italy
- Profession: Fashion model, activist
- Years Active: 2010–present
- Father: Toninho Cerezo (former Brazilian footballer)
- Modeling Agencies: Women Management (Paris, New York), Elite Model Management (Milan), Uno Models (Barcelona)
- Known For: Muse of Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy, Redken campaign, Rio 2016 Olympics
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @leat
- Twitter: @andreat
- Facebook: Lea T Official
Career Overview :
Lea T was discovered at age 17 by agent Piero Piazzi and soon became muse to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, landing her first major campaign with the brand in late 2010.
Her runway debut came at São Paulo Fashion Week in January 2011, where she walked for Alexandre Herchcovitch. That same year, she appeared on the cover of Love Magazine—twice—including a memorable edition featuring Kate Moss, and graced editorials for Vogue Paris, Interview, Elle Brazil, Marie Claire, Grazia, Dazed, Numéro, and others.
In 2011, she made headlines by both opening and closing Jean‑Paul Gaultier’s couture show—modeling in women’s and men’s looks in a single presentation—and posed nude in Vogue France, reinforcing her position as a boundary-pushing figure in fashion.
Lea became the first openly transgender model to front a global beauty campaign when she was announced as the face of Redken’s Chromatics hair colour line in November 2014, with ads appearing worldwide starting January 2015.
She also appeared in major campaigns for Benetton, Philipp Plein, and Pantene, and was featured in Burberry’s festive campaign by Mert & Marcus in 2019, followed by the Donna Karan perfume campaign in 2020.
On television, Lea participated in the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars (“Ballando con le Stelle”) in 2013, reaching the finals, and was interviewed on programs like Oprah in early 2011.
In a historic moment, Lea T became the first openly transgender person to participate in an Olympic Opening Ceremony when she led the Brazilian delegation into the stadium by bicycle during the Rio 2016 Olympics.
In recent years, she has continued to influence fashion and media as a top model and activist—recognized by Forbes in 2015 as one of the “12 women who changed Italian fashion”—while remaining a prominent voice advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility.
Personal Life & Interests :
Lea T was born Leandra Medeiros Cerezo on February 19, 1981, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She is the daughter of renowned Brazilian footballer Toninho Cerezo. Although born in Brazil, she was raised in Italy, where she spent most of her early life and education. Her multicultural background and upbringing in two countries heavily influenced her outlook on identity and self-expression.
She is a proud transgender woman and publicly began her transition around the same time her modeling career was taking off. Her journey has been widely covered in the media, and she has consistently used her platform to speak openly about the challenges and beauty of transitioning. She is known for promoting self-love and authenticity, especially among young transgender individuals.
Lea is also an advocate for animal rights and environmental sustainability. She leads a relatively private life but is deeply spiritual, often referencing themes of self-healing, compassion, and inner peace in interviews. She practices meditation and is interested in natural health and holistic wellness.
Outside of modeling, she enjoys music, yoga, travel, and engaging in meaningful dialogue around diversity and inclusion. She often collaborates with designers, artists, and activists who share her vision of breaking gender norms and pushing forward representation in the fashion and beauty industries.
Lea continues to divide her time between Brazil and Europe, participating in both local and global initiatives that focus on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She remains close to her family and has credited their support—especially her father—for helping her stay grounded throughout her public journey.
Net Worth :
According to People Ai (April 2025), Lea T’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5.06 million USD, reflecting steady growth from about $3.04 million in 2021
However, much more conservative sources—such as CelebsMoney—estimate her net worth between $100,000 and $1 million USD as of 2025
Other outlets like MarriedBiography and NetWorthMirror report around $2 million USD based on data from 2022–2024
Summary: Estimates for Lea T’s net worth vary significantly, ranging from $100K to over $5 million, depending on the source. The most recent and detailed projection places her at about $5.06 million, though many sources suggest a more conservative figure around $1–2 million.
Awards & Achievements :
- First openly transgender model profiled in American Vogue – appeared in the May 2015 issue.
- First transgender model to front a global beauty campaign – became the face of Redken Chromatics in 2015.
- Opened and closed Jean‑Paul Gaultier couture show in 2011, modeling both women’s and men’s looks in the same event.
- Named one of “12 Women Who Changed Italian Fashion” by Forbes in 2015.
- Participated in Rio 2016 Olympic Opening Ceremony, becoming the first openly transgender person to take a central role in the Parade of Nations.
- Featured in major brand campaigns for Benetton, Philipp Plein, Pantene, Burberry, and Donna Karan.
- Contestant on Italian Dancing with the Stars (“Ballando con le Stelle”) in 2013, reaching the finals.
Fun Facts
- Lea T is the daughter of legendary Brazilian footballer Toninho Cerezo.
- She was named “Leandra” at birth and later adopted “Lea T” professionally — the “T” being a tribute to designer Riccardo Tisci.
- She was discovered while studying veterinary medicine in Italy, not originally intending to pursue modeling.
- Lea made history as the first transgender model to front a global beauty campaign with Redken.
- She became a household name after appearing nude in French Vogue, challenging traditional beauty norms.
- She was one of the first transgender people to have a central role in an Olympic Opening Ceremony (Rio 2016).
- Fluent in Portuguese, Italian, and English, she frequently travels between Europe and South America.
- She’s deeply spiritual and often speaks publicly about meditation, healing, and living authentically.
- Lea participated in Italy’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013 and reached the finals.
- She has said she hopes to inspire young trans people to embrace who they are without fear or shame.