J. Alexander | |
|---|---|
 Alexander hosting theIt Gets Better Project Holiday Show 2014. | |
| Born | Alexander Jenkins (1958-04-12)April 12, 1958 (age 67) |
| Other names | Miss J |
| Occupation(s) | Runway coach, consultant |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Known for | Television personality andrunway coaching |
| Children | 1 |
Alexander Jenkins (born April 12, 1958[1][2]), known asJ. Alexander orMiss J, is an Americanreality television personality andrunway coach best known for his work onAmerica's Next Top Model.[3][4][5]
Alexander was born in theSouth Bronx, New York City to Julius and Mary Jenkins and cites his mother as the first person to introduce him to fashion.
As a teenager, he turned to modeling when he met the president ofElite Model Management, Monique Pillard. Pillard was so impressed with his look that she signed him to her agency, and he walked for designerJean Paul Gaultier in New York City.[3] Alexander isgay.[6][7] Alexander metTyra Banks backstage at a runway show, and he began to give Banks 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.[6] He has been coaching and casting since 1991.[8] He rose to prominence in this field when he coachedsupermodelNaomi Campbell and modelKimora Lee Simmons. He has also worked with modelsNadja Auermann,Claudia Mason andJulia 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,Lars Nilsson,Bill Blass,Valentino,John Galliano,Chanel,Alexander McQueen, andNina Ricci.[3][8]
In 1993 he gave an interview on the premier episode of the British television showEurotrash, talking about his career in as a teacher of runway models in Milan and his life.
Alexander travels globally for charity events and modeling competitions.[8] His expertise is frequently sought after by journalists.[3][8]
Alexander appeared on every cycle of thetelevision programAmerica's Next Top Model as the runway coach to the contestants. He was made a judge starting withCycle 5. As ofCycle 14 of the show, Alexander was replaced as a permanent judge on the panel byVogue editor at largeAndré Leon Talley.[9] Alexander stayed on as the show's runway coach and has appeared in many of the international versions of the show.[10]
Alexander'snickname "Miss J" (or "Siss' J" after the wordsister) came fromCycle 1 contestant Robin Manning, who often confused Alexander andJay Manuel and on several occasions referred to Alexander as "Miss J" by accident because of his flamboyant clothing (Alexander often dresses in drag and usually wears a skirt and high heels during runway walking training) and personality. Accordingly, Jay Manuel is referred to as "Mr. Jay", andANTM contestants often call them "The Jays", "The Two Jays" or "Mr. and Miss. Jay" when they appear together.[11] In 2008, the Jays were cast inOperation Fabulous, a show to make over "plain Janes" similar toQueer Eye For The Straight Guy, also produced byTyra Banks.[11][12]
He has also appeared on international versions ofTop Model, such asCanada's Next Top Model,Holland's Next Top Model,Korea's Next Top Model,Estonia's Next Top Model andScandinavia's Next Top Model. Alexander appeared on the 4 May 2008 episode ofFinland's version ofANTMSuomen huippumalli haussa.[13] In 2009 and the 2011 final, Alexander appeared onBritain's Next Top Model.[citation needed]
On April 20, 2012, Alexander's contract withAmerica's Next Top Model expired alongside photographer turned director Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel.
In May 2020, Alexander and Manuel began a weeklyInstagram Live series, later syndicated toFacebook andYouTube, based on their experiences working on the show.
Alexander is also interested in designing and has handmade all his clothes onAmerica's Next Top Model with the exception of the nurse's outfit: "I did make the hat and the bag."[3] "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."[3]
Alexander has stated onThe Tyra Banks 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 Alexander's ex is the biological father.[14][15][16] Alexander has said that he has a "very active role" in Boris' life. He has even joked that his "fashion genes" must have rubbed off on Boris.[17]
In 2010, Alexander wroteFollow 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]
Alexander was featured in the trackJay Walk (feat. Miss Jay Alexander) onLeikeli47's albumShape Up (2022).
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Fab-u-lous | Won[19] |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
