| J. Alexander | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | Alexander Jenkins[1] South Bronx, New York[1] |
| Residence | Paris, France[2] |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Miss J |
| Occupation | Runway coach, consultant, model |
| Known for | Modeling, television personality, and runway coaching |
J. Alexander, (born Alexander Jenkins), known also as Miss J, is an American model, television personality, and runway coach known for his work as a runway coach and judge on America's Next Top Model.[1][3] He travels extensively for the fashion and modeling industries.[4] Alexander currently lives in Paris.[2]
Contents |
Alexander was born in South Bronx to Julius and Mary Jenkins and cites his mother as the first person to introduce him to fashion.[1]
As a teenager he turned to modeling when he met the president of Elite Model Management, Monique Pillard, while dressed in drag. Pillard was so impressed with his look that she signed him to her agency, and he walked for designer Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.[1] He is openly gay.[5]
Alexander and Tyra Banks have been friends since he was sixteen years old. Alexander and Banks met backstage at a runway show, and he began to give her walking lessons. Banks coined Alexander's title Queen of the Catwalk.
Alexander's career as a runway coach began accidentally; he would coach models backstage and eventually became recognized for his skills as a coach. He has been coaching and casting since 1991.[2] He rose to prominence in this field when he coached supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kimora Lee Simmons.
After a modeling stint in Tokyo, he eventually decided to settle in Paris and since 1991, has helped with casting and coaching models for well-known designers such as Hervé Léger, Bill Blass, Valentino, John Galliano, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Nina Ricci.[1][2]
Alexander travels globally for charity events and modeling competitions.[2] His expertise is frequently sought after by journalists.[1][2]
Alexander appeared on every cycle of the popular television program America's Next Top Model as the runway coach to the contestants. He was made a judge starting with Cycle 5, though he still acts as the runway coach.
Alexander's nickname "Miss J" came from Cycle 1 contestant Robin Manning, who often confused Alexander and Jay Manuel and on several occasions referred to Alexander as "Miss J" by accident because of his flamboyant clothing (Alexander often dresses drag and usually wears a skirt and high heels during runway walking training) and personality. Accordingly, Jay Manuel is referred to as "Mr. Jay", and ANTM contestants often call them "The Jays" "The Two Jays" or "Mr. and Ms. Jay" when they appear together.
He has also appeared on international versions of Top Model, such as Canada's Next Top Model and Scandinavia's Next Top Model. Alexander appeared on the 4 May 2008 episode of Finland's version of ANTM Suomen huippumalli haussa [6]. In 2009, Alexander appeared on Britain's Next Top Model.
As of cycle 14 of the show, Alexander will be replaced as a permanent judge on the panel by Vogue editor at large André Leon Talley and will focus on the runway coaching.[7]
Alexander is also interested in designing and has handmade all his clothes on America’s Next Top Model with the exception of the nurse’s outfit, "I did make the hat and the bag."[1] "All the dresses that you see me wear at the challenges, I actually sit down with a needle and thread, not even with a sewing machine, and make them all by hand. I made the ruffles and everything."[1]
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Fab-u-lous | Won[8] |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
   | J. Alexander profile - America's Next Top Model - Cast - J Alexander |
|
|
Wikis
Quiz
Map
Search
