- J. Alexander (model)
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J. Alexander Born Alexander Jenkins[1]
1958 (age 52–53)
South Bronx, New York, U.S.[1]Residence Paris, France[2] Other names Miss J Occupation Runway coach, consultant, model Years active 1991–present Known for Modeling, 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 his work as a runway coach and judge on America's Next Top Model.[1][4] He travels extensively for the fashion and modeling industries.[5] Alexander currently lives in Paris.[2]
Contents
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 he walked for designer Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City.[1] He is openly gay.[6][7]
Alexander and Tyra Banks have been friends since she 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; he would coach models backstage and eventually became recognized for his skills as a coach.[6] 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. He has also worked with Nadja Auermann, Claudia Mason and Julia Stegner.[6]
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]
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. He 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] He 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]
He has also appeared on international versions of Top Model, such as Canada's Next Top Model, Holland'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.[12] In 2009 and the 2011 final, Alexander appeared on Britain's Next Top Model.[13]
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 he has a son named Boris. Both Alexander and his ex-boyfriend donated sperm to a French lesbian who wanted a child, and his ex is the biological father.[14] [15] Alexander has said that he has a "very active role" in Boris' life. He has even joked that his "fashion genes" must have worn off on Boris.[16].
In 2010 he 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".[17]
Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Result 2009 Teen Choice Awards Choice Fab-u-lous Won[18] Publications
- Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power (Simon & Schuster, 2010), 1439150516, 9781439150511.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Indramalar, S. (15 February 2008). "Queen of The Runway". Star Publications. http://star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/15/tvnradio/20307872&sec=tvnradio. Retrieved 2008-03-02.
- ^ 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. http://www.cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-model/cast/jalexander. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
- ^ "Cee Lo Green, Miss J Alexander, Audrina Patridge". When I Was 17. MTV. Retrieved on March 26, 2011. It stated he was 17 from 1975-76. From there it can be figured that his year of birth is 1958.
- ^ Staff report (February 28, 2007). Tyra, 'Top Model' back. Washington Times
- ^ Ko, Christina (May 2007). "Lights, cameras, accountant!: A look at how accountants have been portrayed in film throughout the years". A Plus. http://google.com/search?q=cache:0VTsO0RsUZYJ:www.hkicpa.org.hk/APLUS/0705/22.pdf+%22Miss+j%22+%22runway+coach%22+father&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
- ^ a b c Cathy Horyn, "It Was No Walk in the Park", The New York Times, November 11, 2009.
- ^ "Advocacy Group Lauds ABC For Most Gay Roles". The Wichita Eagle. August 8, 2007.
- ^ 'Top Model' to get major makeover with Kimora Lee Simmons as new judge Amanda Sidman, New York Daily news, November 12, 2009.
- ^ Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, "Fall TV Fun: "Top Model" and "Glee"", Fashion World Daily News, 8 September 2009.
- ^ a b Denise Martin, A new platform for 'Top Model' pair'", The Los Angeles Times, November 21, 2008.
- ^ Gina Scarpa, "America's Next Top Model: Tyra Banks Looks for a 'True Beauty'", Buddy TV, November 10, 2008.
- ^ "TV-ohjelmat - Ilta-Sanomat". http://tv.iltasanomat.fi/tvopas/sohjelma/11322898.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Miss J Is a Father", Extra TV, November 10, 2009.
- ^ http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/watch-top-models-miss-j-reveal-hes-a-dad-20091011
- ^ Lapowsky, Issie (2009-11-11). "'America's Next Top Model' judge 'Miss J' Alexander reveals he's a father". New York: Nydailynews.com. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/11/11/2009-11-11_americas_next_top_model_judge_miss_j_alexander_reveals_hes_a_father.html. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
- ^ Michela Hood, "Miss J. Alexander shares his contagious confidence", The Miami Herald , February 22, 2010.
- ^ Top Model Gossip (2009-08-10). "J Alexander Wins Teen Choice Award!". http://www.topmodelgossip.com/j-alexander-wins-teen-choice-awards/.
External links
- J. Alexander at the Internet Movie Database
- J. Alexander profile via America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model Cycles Winners Adrianne Curry • Yoanna House • Eva Pigford • Naima Mora • Nicole Linkletter • Danielle Evans • CariDee English • Jaslene Gonzalez • Saleisha Stowers • Whitney Thompson • McKey Sullivan • Teyona Anderson • Nicole Fox • Krista White • Ann Ward • Brittani Kline • TBAOther alumni Shannon Ratliff • Elyse Sewell • Mercedes Scelba-Shorte • Yaya DaCosta • Amanda Swafford • Toccara Jones • Kahlen Rondot • Bre Scullark • Kim Stolz • Lisa D'Amato • Cassandra Whitehead • Joanie Dodds • Melrose Bickerstaff • Eugena Washington • Anchal Joseph • Natasha Galkina • Renee Alway • Chantal Jones • Heather Kuzmich • Anya Kop • Fatima Siad • Dominique Reighard • Samantha Potter • Analeigh Tipton • Isis King • Allison Harvard • Celia Ammerman • Laura Kirkpatrick • Raina Hein • Chelsey Hersley • Jane Randall • Esther PetrackRelated shows Top Model series • The Tyra Banks Show (2005–2010) • Modelville (2008) • Stylista (2008) • True Beauty (2009–2010)Categories:- 1958 births
- American expatriates in France
- African American models
- LGBT African Americans
- American male models
- American television personalities
- Living people
- People in fashion
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