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J. Alexander (model)

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J. Alexander
Born
Alexander Jenkins[1]

1958 (age 65–66)
South Bronx, New York, U.S.[1]
Other namesMiss J
Occupation(s)Runway coach, consultant, model
Years active1991–present
Known forModeling, television personality, and runway coaching

J. Alexander (born Alexander Jenkins, 1958[3]), known also as Miss J, is an American model, television personality, and runway coach known for her work as a runway coach and judge on America's Next Top Model.[1][4] She travels extensively for the fashion and modeling industries.[5] Alexander currently lives in Paris.[2]

Early life

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. Pillard was so impressed with his look that she signed him to her agency, and she walked for designer Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.[1] J.Alexander is openly gay [6][7] but is always referred to using female pronouns.

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.

Career

Alexander's career as a runway coach began accidentally; she would coach models backstage and eventually became recognized for her skills as a coach.[6] She has been coaching and casting since 1991.[2] She rose to prominence in this field when she coached supermodel Naomi Campbell and model Kimora Lee Simmons. She has also worked with Nadja Auermann, Claudia Mason and Julia Stegner.[6]

After a modeling stint in Tokyo, she 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] Her expertise is frequently sought after by journalists.[1][2]

America's Next Top Model

Alexander appeared on every cycle of the popular television program America's Next Top Model as the runway coach to the contestants. She was made a judge starting with Cycle 5. As of Cycle 14 of the show, Alexander was replaced as a permanent judge on the panel by Vogue editor at large André Leon Talley.[8] She remains the show's runway coach and has appeared in many of the international versions of the show.[9]

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.[10] In 2008 the Jays were cast in "Operation Fabulous", a show to make-over "plain Janes" similar to Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, also produced by Tyra Banks.[10][11]

She has also appeared on international versions of Top Model, such as Canada's Next Top Model, Holland's Next Top Model, Korea's Next Top Model[12] and Scandinavia's Next Top Model. Alexander appeared on the 4 May 2008 episode of Finland's version of ANTM Suomen huippumalli haussa.[13] In 2009 and the 2011 final, Alexander appeared on Britain's Next Top Model.[14]

Designer

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]

Personal life

Alexander has stated on Tyra Banks' talk show that she has a son named Boris. Both Alexander and her ex-boyfriend donated sperm to a French lesbian who wanted a child, and her ex is the biological father.[15][16] Alexander has said that she has a "very active role" in Boris' life. She has even joked that her "fashion genes" must have worn off on Boris.[17]

In 2010 she wrote Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power, which "shares his story and offers tips on how to be more confident".[18]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result
2009 Teen Choice Awards Choice Fab-u-lous Won[19]

Publications

  • Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power (Simon & Schuster, 2010), 1439150516, 9781439150511.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Indramalar, S. (15 February 2008). "Queen of The Runway". Star Publications. Retrieved 2008-03-02.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "America's Next Top Model: Cast: J Alexander". America's Next Top Model via The CW Television Network. 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  3. ^ "Cee Lo Green, Miss J Alexander, Audrina Patridge". When I Was 17. MTV. Retrieved March 26, 2011. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |began=, |episodelink=, |city=, |transcripturl=, |ended=, and |seriesno= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help) It stated he was 17 from 1975-76. From there it can be figured that his year of birth is 1958.
  4. ^ Staff report (February 28, 2007). Tyra, 'Top Model' back. Washington Times
  5. ^ Ko, Christina (2007). "Lights, cameras, accountant!: A look at how accountants have been portrayed in film throughout the years". A Plus. Retrieved 2008-03-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b c Cathy Horyn, "It Was No Walk in the Park", The New York Times, November 11, 2009.
  7. ^ "Advocacy Group Lauds ABC For Most Gay Roles". The Wichita Eagle. August 8, 2007.
  8. ^ 'Top Model' to get major makeover with Kimora Lee Simmons as new judge Amanda Sidman, New York Daily news, November 12, 2009.
  9. ^ Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, "Fall TV Fun: "Top Model" and "Glee"", Fashion World Daily News, 8 September 2009.
  10. ^ a b Denise Martin, A new platform for 'Top Model' pair'", The Los Angeles Times, November 21, 2008.
  11. ^ Gina Scarpa, "America's Next Top Model: Tyra Banks Looks for a 'True Beauty'", Buddy TV, November 10, 2008.
  12. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGRUSySJ124. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. ^ "TV-ohjelmat - Ilta-Sanomat".
  14. ^ Deborah Arthurs, "Britain's Next Top Model: Our interview with evictee Lisa-Ann: 'I'm not a no-necked monster, my shoes were too big!' [1]", Daily Mail UK, 3rd June 2009.
  15. ^ "Miss J Is a Father", Extra TV, November 10, 2009.
  16. ^ http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/watch-top-models-miss-j-reveal-hes-a-dad-20091011
  17. ^ Lapowsky, Issie (2009-11-11). "'America's Next Top Model' judge 'Miss J' Alexander reveals he's a father". New York: Nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  18. ^ Michela Hood, "Miss J. Alexander shares her contagious confidence", The Miami Herald , February 22, 2010.
  19. ^ Top Model Gossip (2009-08-10). "J Alexander Wins Teen Choice Award!".

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